Studies on Cancer and Carcinogenic Agents
Studies by health professionals have indicated that there is an increase in the rate of cancer-related to oral, primary digestion, urinary, and respiratory. Among the most common cancer agents include asbestos, arsenic, formaldehyde, soot, and diesel engine exhaust. Most of these carcinogenic agents are mostly found in drugs, building materials, or diesel engine exhaust (Baxter et al., 2014). Long-term exposure to these agents leads to bio-amplification of the agents that later lead to cancer.
Risk of Cancer and Heart Attack in Firefighters
Research on firefighters has shown an increased risk of death from cancer and heart attack; this has indicated that there is a need to develop approaches to limiting exposure. To prevent increased cases of cancer, firefighters should be made aware of the level of modifiable or preventable risk (Miranda et al., 2012). There is a need to modify exercise, weight, dietary, and other factors that play a big role in keeping a healthy life. There is also a need to personalize behaviors that can be used in reducing exposure to carcinogenic agents.
Personal Decontamination for Firefighters
One best way that firefighters can prevent exposure to carcinogenic agents is by maintaining personal decontamination. It is necessary for them to remove soiled gloves and wash their hands before eating on-scene rehab nourishment. Firefighters should not be allowed to access places where food or beverages are kept. Turnout gears should be removed and laundered. It is, therefore, necessary for them to be issued with multiple sets of turnout gear. For the gears to be reused, it is necessary for them to be laundered and completely dried. It is also necessary to maintain personal decontamination; they should take a shower and make sure that the clothes have been cleaned as soon after the exposure.
Environmental Monitoring for Carcinogenic Agents
Environmental monitoring should also be maintained over a considerable duration. Levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, and low oxygen levels should always be monitored. Exposure to volatile organic compound and other carcinogenic agents either on short time or long-term durations can be extremely hazardous. Through screening of the environment should be made to ensure that there is no any error in analysis. It should be done in such a way that any traces of carcinogenic agents have been detected. It is also necessary to consult educational seminars to educate fire departments on the proper screening and care for their structural PPE.
Screening for Firefighters Exposed to Carcinogens
The rate with which humans expose themselves to carcinogens should closely be monitored. The main problem with screening individuals who have been exposed to carcinogens is that in many cases it is difficult to know what compounds the firefighters have been exposed to. It makes it difficult to make a medical diagnosis since it is difficult to screen all carcinogenic agents. To make sure that firefighters have been protected from such agents, they should be exposed to specific screening; making sure that NFPA guidance has been followed and screening them from particular exposures. Having an occupational medical physician with a wide knowledge of firefighter's exposures is also necessary. Firefighters who have gone through a specific exposure may benefit from screening routines that are more aggressive. This can aid in preventing more increased risks for prostate and colonal cancer (Laitinen et al., 2012). By making sure that they have made a personal appointment with a personal and occupational physician will aid in determining environmental and personal risk factors that can be used in determining the required personal health screening intervals.
Reference
Baxter, C. S., Hoffman, J. D., Knipp, M. J., Reponen, T., " Haynes, E. N. (2014). Exposure of firefighters to particulates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene, 11(7), D85-D91.
Laitinen, J., Mäkelä, M., Mikkola, J., " Huttu, I. (2012). Firefighters’ multiple exposure assessments in practice. Toxicology letters, 213(1), 129-133.
Miranda, A. I., Martins, V., Cascão, P., Amorim, J. H., Valente, J., Borrego, C., ... " Ottmar, R. (2012). Wildland smoke exposure values and exhaled breath indicators in firefighters. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 75(13-15), 831-843.
