Mesothelioma and Asbestos

The National Institute for Occupational Safety as well as Health (NIOSH) is joining the U.S. Fire Administration to launch a study to determine whether firefighters are at an increased risk for cancer due to soot, smoke, asbestos as well as other airborne contaminant exposure they encounter in the line of duty. This study will cover examine the health of more than 18,000 firefighters both active as well as retired, as well as focus on specific types of cancer as well as as well as analyze deaths that are unrelated to cancer.

One particular form of cancer that firefighters are at risk for is mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Firefighters can be exposed to asbestos when answering a consult at an older buildings that contain asbestos products.

Researchers will study subjects from large urban areas as well as suburban areas to attempt to determine whether there is increased risk under dissimilar working circumstances. The study is expected to take several years, as well as will be the most comprehensive study of its good to date.

For the filled story, go to Occupational Health & Safety.