PHX Reporter

Firefighters face numerous health risks due to their exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other hazardous materials while on duty, and cancer is a significant concern in the profession.

Collaborative research efforts are crucial in finding ways to mitigate these risks and improve the health and safety of firefighters. The purpose of this Firefighter Collaborative Research Project is to test interventions to reduce firefighter serum PFAS levels, cardiovascular risk, cognitive disease risks, and epigenetic age. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that are commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their inability to be easily broken down in the human body and the environment. Epigenetics is the study of how your genetic information is expressed differently based on your behaviors and environment. Epigenetic age is the measure of the rate of aging of your cells.

This study is led by the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and includes Phoenix firefighters, as well as several other statewide agencies. By actively participating in such research projects, Phoenix Fire and other fire departments can contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies to protect the health and well-being of their personnel. These efforts can ultimately lead to a safer and healthier work environment for firefighters, reducing the incidence of cancer and other occupational health risks in the fire service.

Phoenix firefighters interested in participating are asked complete this form to enroll. Requirements include one year or more of firefighting experience, two years or more until retirement, no major health issues, and the ability to donate plasma.

Related Social Media Hashtags and Handles: #PHXFire @PhoenixFireDepartment @PHXFire

Keywords: Firefighter Cancer, Phoenix Fire, research, study

Original source can be found here.