Firefighters

Firefighters and Lung Disease 

Respiratory diseases are a significant health concern for firefighters and emergency responders who face increased exposure to gases, chemicals and smoke in the line of duty. Firefighters should go through periodic lung function tests, or pulmonary function tests (PFTs), to ensure they are healthy enough to do their job safely and to identify early warning signs of lung disease. 

Why Are Firefighters at Increased Risk for Lung Disease?

• Combustion: When burning materials combust, firefighters are exposed to potentially hazardous levels of toxic agents such as carbon monoxide, benzene, hydrogen cyanide, asbestos and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which can cause cancer.
• Particle pollution: One of the many pollutants found in smoke is particle pollution, which is a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in air that can enter and penetrate deep into the lungs.
• Diesel exhaust: Firefighters are exposed to diesel exhaust from idling trucks in the station. Diesel is a known carcinogen.
• Climate change: Wildfires are increasing due to climate change. Firefighters are also now battling more urban fires and exposures to lung irritants from burning buildings, cars, furniture and other toxic materials.

Lung Health Effects of Firefighting

How Firefighters Can Reduce Their Risk

Exposure and risk levels depend on building material, items stored in the building, fire conditions (like temperature and oxygen levels) and the phase of the fire. For example, the knockdown phase typically causes higher exposure to irritants compared to the overhaul phase.

There are steps firefighters can take to reduce their risk of lung disease:

1. Working with employers to ensure access to the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Make sure PPE is used correctly and whenever needed.
2. Attending regular safety trainings.
3. Reducing exposure to lung irritants outside of work. Don't smoke or vape and avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible. Reduce in-home pollutants and test the home for high levels of radon (the second leading cause of lung cancer). Stay inside on poor air quality days whenever possible.
4. Encouraging employers to purchase electric-powered fire trucks that produce no diesel exhaust.

The American Lung Association is pleased to provide a limited number of free Freedom From Smoking memberships for firefighters. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

As an evolving concern, PFAs, which are chemicals found in a variety of places and products, including drinking water, soil, food packaging, and household products, as well as in firefighter gear, may be a concern for you or your department. 

Early Warning Signs of Lung Disease

It is important that firefighters understand how to take care of their lungs and how to identify early warning signs of lung disease. A persistent cough or slight wheeze may not seem like something serious, but firefighters should pay attention to even mild symptoms. Firefighters should tell their healthcare providers their complete medical history, including how many years they have been firefighting. It is also important that they pay attention to any decline in lung function revealed by PFTs, which may be part of regular physicals offered by their department.