Fire crews face increased cancer risk, report says

London's firefighters are uniquely exposed to cancer-causing contaminants due to flame retardants in buildings and electric vehicle fires, City Hall has been told.

The study commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) also found contaminant exposure directly led to an increased risk, with instances of cancer among firefighters aged 35-39 up to 323% higher than the general population in the same age category.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB), told City Hall that its crews faced more risks due to London's size and density compared to other cities but "increased awareness" and "cultural change" was also needed.

The FBU called for funds for safety measures to upgrade older, outdated stations and also agreed more training was needed to help firefighters reduce their exposure to contaminants.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the meeting heard that health and safety procedures aimed to reduce risks due to contamination had not been implemented in many of London's fire stations.

Karl Smith, the London region's deputy health and safety co-ordinator for the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), said that reform was needed both within the LFB and from ministers to drive up safety standards and reduce the current cancer risk.

"The World Health Organization has recognised the occupation of a firefighter as 1A occupation – this is the the highest level of risk for cancer," he said.

"They've actually stated that being a firefighter is the same as equivalent to smoking 20 cigarettes a day."

He said this included firefighters not being able to "shower within the hour" to get rid of any contaminants because of a lack of availability of relief staff and fire appliances on busy days, as well as older fire stations not having clearly separated dirty and clean areas.

Mr Smith said while training and awareness campaigns were made, there was no enough follow up or audits made to ensure people had taken on board the messaging.

Deputy commissioner at the LFB, Spencer Sutcliff said: "What separates London from other cities is, well certainly within the UK, is just the sheer size of it, particularly the dense built environment.

"The increased usage of fire retardants in furnishings, the greater use of chemicals and plastics, has certainly changed the built environment and some of the risk dynamics in London.

"There's also the gig economy and we know the concerning increase in risk around lithium battery fires."

Regional FBU chairman, Gareth Beeton told London Assembly members that funding was the primary limiting factor when it came to upgrading firefighter safety.

"Funding across the LFB is an absolute massive issue for us," he said.

"Whether it's firefighters unavailable because there's no there's no money for more firefighters, there's no money for overtime to cover shortfalls, you haven't got enough spare appliances around London, it's starting to cause problems.

"We urge the mayor and and central government really to step up because there's been no additional funding since the recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

"The mayor has found additional funding, but no additional funding from central government, which is what is needed."

Mr Sutcliff, told assembly members that "increased awareness" and "culture change" was needed.

"We've still got examples of gloves going into helmets - it's probably one of the worst places you can put them because naturally or they are highly likely to have been exposed to contaminants and you wouldn't want anything near your face and exposed skin.

"It's just that ongoing journey of cultural change, moving away from that badge of honour from dirty kit toward clean kit."

He added that an awareness programme was planned in the new year, as well as training senior managers to ensure they were up to date with policies.

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