06/05/2026
You go on a fire. You breathe in some junk. You go home. Maybe you get cancer, maybe not. Nothing to it, right? You are a firefighter... that's what is expected. When I hear that logic, it literally stops me in my tracks.
Ever wonder what the exposure to chemicals and heavy metals from those calls do to your body? How do they impact and increase cancer risks? Are there certain levels in your blood that you should be aware of?
Lucky for you, there is a study that actually LOOKS at the blood of firefighters to evaluate how those exposures impact them... there is actually more than one of them. I have the honor of serving on the board for the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study, led by Dr. Heather Stapleton and Dr. Bryan Ormond. The NC FFCCS utilizes researchers from the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, the Duke Cancer Institute, and the NC State University Wilson College of Textiles to tackle the issues of cancer risk among firefighters based on their exposures to harmful chemicals and what role their gear plays in that. This study partners with the National Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study and gives the fire community a much larger picture of what is happening within fire services. The goal is to set new standards for safety and health in the fire service while fostering a future where every firefighter can serve with confidence knowing their well-being is prioritized.
If you would like to participate in this study, it is open to all firefighters, volunteer and paid, old and new, male and female. Everyone matters. And participation is simple- complete a survey, provide a blood and urine sample, maybe wear a silicone wristband, and then be open for follow up every 18-24 months. One of the perks? You get your bloodwork results sent directly to you so you can track your personal exposures and advocate for your own health with your healthcare team. Umm, yes please.
This research is life changing and is planting seeds for shade later for those in the fire service. You can visit the websites of both the NC study and the national study (or look up your state and see if they are participating) for more information.
*If you are centrally located in NC, there will be an enrollment event tonight, May 6, and on Tuesday, May 12, at the South Sailsbury Fire Department.
https://www.ffccs.org/north-carolina
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/registry/index.html
