Firefighters are brave, selfless individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting people from fires. Most people are familiar with the dangers of firefighting. That’s because it is clear due to the number of injuries firefighters have. According to The National Fire Protection Association, around 60,750 firefighters faced injuries in 2021.
However, fewer people know about firefighters’ risks from on-the-job exposure to various chemicals and gasses. In this article, we will look at all the health hazards firefighters encounter during their job. This includes not only physical injuries but also mental toll and concerns of chemical exposure.
The Physical Toll
The physical demands of the job are no joke. Firefighters are exposed to extreme heat and smoke, which can cause respiratory problems. They often carry heavy equipment, wear full gear, and breathe through masks that limit their ability to talk or see clearly. They may also be working in cramped spaces that require them to crawl on their hands and knees.
In addition to these intense conditions, firefighters must train regularly for car accidents or medical emergencies. These factors put firefighters at risk for injuries ranging from minor strains or sprains to major back problems caused by lifting heavy objects.
An article from postandcourier.com shares how firefighters of Georgetown felt about the physical toll on them. The firefighters in the two fire departments said they had reached their breaking point. According to the Managing Director, there were around 30 vacancies.
These vacancies led to additional burdens on other firefighters. According to him, people leave for various reasons, like retirement or any mundane reason. The firefighters were feeling real pressure, and the overtime schedules were hampering their work-life balance.
AFFF Exposure
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a chemical mixture used to extinguish fires. It consists of an oil and water emulsion that can be applied to the surface of flammable liquids, such as gasoline or diesel fuel.
When these chemicals are sprayed onto a fire, they break down into smaller particles that attract each other. Thus, they form larger droplets on the surface of the burning liquid. This results in less oxygen reaching the flames, which stops them from growing.
According to TruLaw, AFFF is effective at stopping fires. However, they are also associated with several health concerns. Moreover, they have chemicals that can accumulate inside the human body over time.
According to a ScienceDirect study, firefighters who use AFFF have been found to increase their serum levels of long-chain PFASs. PFASs are a group of more than 5000 different chemicals. Some of these take 1,000 years to break down.
These PFAS chemicals are proven to have numerous health risks. According to The Environment Protection Agency (EPA), they are associated with reproductive defects and higher risks of some cancers. They can also result in development effects and the immune system’s reduced ability to fight infections.
Many firefighters have already faced such consequences. Hence, they have filed AFFF lawsuits against manufacturers. They claim that the manufacturers failed to warn them about the potential health hazards. Any firefighter who is facing or has faced any health issue due to such chemical exposure can file an AFFF lawsuit.
Cardiovascular Health Risks
Firefighters face several cardiovascular health risks. Some of these are related to the nature of the job, and others are due to behavioral factors.
- Hypertension: Firefighters have higher rates of hypertension than those in other occupations, likely due to the physical demands of their work. This can lead to an increased risk for cardiovascular incidents such as stroke or heart attack.
- High cholesterol and diabetes: Firefighters also have higher prevalence rates for high cholesterol and diabetes than other occupations. This puts them at greater risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
- Heart disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among firefighters, with hypertensive heart disease being the most common. A study by Sage Publications concluded that over 45% of firefighter deaths have been attributed to sudden heart attacks related to coronary artery disease.
Mental Health Challenges
Firefighters face unique and demanding challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. The nature of their work exposes them to traumatic events, high levels of stress, and long hours, contributing to various mental health challenges.
The impact of such instances on firefighters’ mental health was studied through a survey. Published in the Springer Nature Journal, the survey concluded that around 19% of the 10,649 surveyed firefighters self-reported at least one mental health problem.
Some of the key mental health issues faced by firefighters include:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exposure to traumatic incidents, such as severe accidents, fatalities, or large-scale disasters, can lead to PTSD. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional distress, affecting a firefighter’s ability to cope with daily life.
- Depression and anxiety: The constant exposure to life-threatening situations, coupled with the pressure to perform effectively, can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety. The fear of potential harm, as well as the need to make quick decisions under stressful conditions, can take a toll on mental well-being.
- Cumulative stress: Firefighters often experience chronic stress due to the cumulative effect of responding to emergencies, witnessing distressing scenes, and dealing with life-or-death situations. Over time, this ongoing stress can lead to burnout and a range of mental health issues.
- Substance abuse: Some firefighters may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with the stress and trauma they face. Substance abuse can exacerbate mental health problems and lead to a cycle of dependency.
- Sleep disorders: Irregular work schedules, long shifts, and the need to be alert at a moment’s notice can disrupt sleep patterns. Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to mental health issues and impact overall well-being.
- Stigmatization: There may be a stigma within the firefighting community surrounding mental health issues. Fear of judgment or concerns about job security may prevent firefighters from seeking help, compounding their mental health challenges.
- Grief and loss: Firefighters often witness tragedies and may experience the loss of colleagues, victims, or even members of their own community. Dealing with grief and loss on a regular basis can contribute to emotional distress.
In conclusion, firefighters are a unique group of workers who face several occupational health challenges. We know there are many ways to prevent these hazards and support firefighters, but we also want to hear from you. Initiatives focusing on advanced protective gear, physical well-being, and mental health support are crucial to safeguard their health and longevity.