Every day, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect others. They dash into burning buildings, maneuver through thick smoke, and operate heavy hoses and tools. Over time, these efforts can take a serious toll on the body by exposing them to a range of toxic substances, throwing off their natural sleep schedules, and putting tremendous strain on their bodies. Here are just a few of the health conditions these working conditions can put them more at risk of.
Firefighters face disproportionately high cancer risk
One of the biggest risks that firefighters face is cancer. In fact, it’s the leading cause of death among firefighters. Compared to the general U.S. population, they have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer. Research from the CDC and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has found increased rates of several cancers among firefighters, including:
- Testicular cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Prostate cancer
- Leukemia
- Colon cancer
- Skin cancer and melanoma
- Brain cancer
These elevated risks are linked to repeated exposure to smoke, combustion byproducts and environmental toxins, such as benzene, formaldehyde, phenols, diesel exhaust, asbestos, heavy metals and PFAS (“forever chemicals” in firefighting gear). And research shows that even when firefighters wear protective gear, like breathing apparatuses, they still test high for biomarkers for things like PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and benzene. These dangerous materials accumulate in their bodies throughout their careers, creating a toxic load that can lead to an elevated risk of cancer.
Related: 5 myths about cancer prevention many people still believe
Cardiovascular events are the #1 cause of on-duty death
Fighting fire is dangerous, but it’s not the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths of firefighters. That goes to heart disease, which makes up 45% of on-duty firefighter fatalities. Strenuous physical activity, on-the-job stress, and exposure to environmental pollutants strain a firefighter’s cardiovascular system, which can increase the risk of sudden cardiac events.
Studies have found that combustion of carbon-based materials releases particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants that impair vascular function and contribute to build up of plaque in the arteries. Repeated exposure to these toxins is linked to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular-related mortality among firefighters. And manipulating heavy gear in extreme heat, plus the adrenaline of fighting fires, has been shown to put extra stress on the heart.
Many firefighters also tend to have high rates of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, like hypertension, obesity, poor fitness, and poor diet. These conditions, combined with the physical and toxic exposures that occur on the job, further elevate the chances of a firefighter suffering a life-threatening cardiac event on duty. And some reports suggest that firefighters may develop coronary heart disease at younger ages than the general public, citing early fatalities occurring in the mid-40s.
Heat exposure damages the body in ways most people don’t realize
Putting out fires places firefighters in extreme heat conditions. For instance, a forest fire can reach 1,472 degrees Fahrenheit. Even with protective gear on, that level of heat can overwhelm the body’s ability to cool itself. This heat stress can tax the cardiovascular system and lead to muscle fatigue and injuries from overexertion. Extreme heat exposure can also place firefighters at a significantly higher risk of kidney disease. Heat—especially when paired with dehydration—can also impair brain function. It can also disrupt hormones and throw off metabolism.
Sleep disruption is a silent but severe health hazard
Fires don’t only occur during the hours of 9 to 5. Firefighters work around the clock, on schedules that can be unpredictable for their bodies. Irregular work hours, rotating shifts, nighttime alarms, and cortisol spikes can cause serious disruptions in sleep and circadian rhythms. In one study of 154 career firefighters, 75% reported experiencing sleep disturbances. The study also showed that sleep issues were more common in firefighters that had more stress.
Poor sleep in firefighters puts them at an increased risk of obesity, hypertension, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Insufficient sleep also places them at a greater risk of post traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and other mental disorders. Fatigue can lead to reduced cognition, like poor reaction time, and decision making. This can increase their risk of on-the-job accidents and even car crashes on the way to and from work. And long term sleep deprivation can accelerate age-related brain volume loss.
Firefighters are also significantly more prone to sleep disorders like sleep apnea, which can take a toll on everything from heart health to brain health. It can lead to type 2 diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, and even a shortened life span.
Musculoskeletal injuries and cumulative trauma
Operating large hoses, climbing ladders while holding gear, carrying victims to safety, breaking through doors, crawling in tiny spaces… These are just some of the many physically taxing things that firefighters do during a day on the job. Such a high impact career can lead to an array of injuries and strains on the body. Some research has found that roughly 41% of firefighters experience a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) at some point. They are especially prone to issues in their lower back, shoulders, arms, and legs. In fact, firefighters are 3.5 times more likely to get injured on the job and 3.8 times more likely to suffer a work-related musculoskeletal disorder than the regular workforce.
While acute injuries may be more obvious, chronic joint, spine, and muscle problems often go untreated until severe. Even without a major accident, years of repeated lifting, twisting, and carrying heavy loads gradually wears down joints, muscles, and the spine. This cumulative trauma can lead to shortened careers or reduced mobility down the line.
Related: What you get in a Prenuvo Body Composition Analysis Report
Why early detection matters more for this community
Many of the conditions firefighters face can be silent until they’ve progressed into more advanced stages. Cancers can go undetected until they are more aggressive. Cardiac strain and vascular changes may progress without obvious symptoms. And the physical demands of the job can lead to the gradual breakdown of joints and discs, leading to musculoskeletal skeletal conditions that often are not diagnosed until they are more severe.
Related: 12 hidden conditions a whole body MRI can help detect before symptoms start
Firefighters often have demanding jobs with irregular shifts and may be more team-focused versus worrying about themselves. This can all result in them prioritizing other things above their own wellness.
But when it comes to health, early detection is key. As firefighters face years of cumulative toxin exposure, sleep deprivation, and stress, identifying small abnormalities early can help them face any conditions that pop up before they become health crises. This is where comprehensive imaging, like Prenuvo’s Whole Body Scan, can be particularly valuable.
In just under an hour, Prenuvo can help detect hundreds of conditions, from many cancers (as early as stage 1) to disc degeneration, early signs of cardiovascular abnormalities, kidney changes, and more. Adding blood panels to whole body imaging provides an even more complete picture of a firefighter’s health by assessing things like inflammation, organ function, hormone levels, and early metabolic shifts that may not be visible on imaging alone.
Firefighters spend their lives protecting others — they deserve to protect themselves as well. Schedule a call with our team to learn how Prenuvo can help you take a proactive approach to your health — keeping you strong, active, and ready on and off the job for years to come.
To learn more about the benefits of whole body MRI and advanced blood labs, book a call with a member of our care team.
And to learn more about how Prenuvo is helping firefighters, check out the Prenuvo Warriors Program for exclusive discounts for firefighters and other first-responders.
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