Thank you to Taylor Dardan for approaching me with an article about health issues firefighters face. I appreciate the fact that he has included links for more information.
An Unwelcome Fight: The Health Risks of Firefighters
by Taylor Dardan
Firefighters take part in one of the most dangerous and stressful careers imaginable. Their ability to regularly put their lives on the line everyday goes hand in hand with the risks that other first responders must deal with. Firefighters also deal with many risks outside of just burning buildings. For years now, firefighters have dealt with health and medical issues directly related to the job.
Cardiovascular problems
Firefighters are in high stress situations all the time. In these situations, the high amounts of stress can definitely lead to an effected immune system and possibly bringing forward major health risks. The heart and the cardiovascular region have remained concerns for firefighters for years now. Hypertension has become a major issue and without any type of treatment, it could bring forth cases of stroke, aneurysm, and heart attack. The smoke of the burning buildings also present a health risks because it can interrupt the process of carrying oxygen properly throughout the body. Because of these risks, cardiac arrest remains the largest cause of death in firefighters.
Respiratory issues
Smoke can play a large effect in the health and safety of a firefighter. Many who have inhaled smoke and dust regularly have experienced lung and heart problems, as well as running the risk of developing both bronchitis and lung infection. Many firefighters are forced to use steroid inhalers to alleviate short term respiratory issues, but more research is needed to figure out the long term effects of dust and smoke inhalation.
Asbestos exposure
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer in the lung and abdomen linings that is related to asbestos exposure. Asbestos was once a common building material in many older structures. They are of little danger when left intact, but in the case of fires, these materials become a major problem. Firefighters and other first responders that go into burning buildings run the chance of being exposed to these damaged materials. Asbestos exposure is also known to happen to firefighters outside of the burning buildings, when they remove their gear to close to the premises.
The health problems that many first responders and firefighters are in risk of have gotten more media attention throughout the last decade because of 9/11. Some of the first responders in ground zero have been at risk of health problems for the past ten years that are directly related to their heroism on 9/11. While support and attention has increased for these heroes, it’s important to remember that all firefighters and first responders are risking their lives every day, both in and out of burning buildings.
Taylor Dardan is an EMS/First Responders healthy and safety advocate. He is very passionate about making sure that all firefighters and other first responders are aware of the sometimes hidden dangers inherent in their work
