Occupational Cancer Awareness in the Fire Service

Firefighters face more than physical hazards. They can also be exposed to carcinogens, which are cancer-causing chemicals or agents.

This resource was developed in partnership with Health Canada to help raise awareness about the risk of occupational cancer for firefighters, in support of actions identified in the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting.

This guidance reflects current understanding and may change as new information on firefighter health and safety is made available.

The guidance provided in this infographic is primarily for structural firefighters. For information on wildland firefighting, please refer to Reducing the Risk of Occupational Cancer in Wildland Firefighters.

Occupational Cancer Awareness in the Fire Service

Infographic: Occupational Cancer Awareness in the Fire Service

Description: Occupational Cancer Awareness in the Fire Service

Firefighters face more than physical hazards. They can also be exposed to carcinogens, which are cancer-causing chemicals or agents.

Cancer risks

  • mesothelioma (cancer in the tissue that lines your lungs or abdomen)
  • bladder cancer
  • blood cancer (non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
  • colon cancer
  • prostate cancer
  • melanoma (skin cancer)
  • testicular cancer

Routes and sources of exposure

Exposure may happen through inhalation (breathing), ingestion (swallowing), and dermal (skin) absorption. Sources of exposure may include:

  • building materials, like asbestos
  • chemical flame retardants
  • combustion products, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  • crystalline silica, naturally occurring or in building materials
  • diesel engine exhaust
  • heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead
  • per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in foams and bunker gear
  • ultraviolet radiation from working outdoors
  • viruses like hepatitis B and hepatitis C

A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in reducing the risk of occupational cancer.

What employers can do

  • establish medical surveillance programs for early detection
  • educate workers on how to lower their risk of occupational cancer
  • establish a program for managing and reducing stress
  • develop an employee assistance program
  • provide sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
  • offer exercise programs and other opportunities to be active at work
  • create a healthy eating program and provide nutritious food

What workers can do

  • record details of exposures
  • self-screen, where applicable, and participate in medical and diagnostic testing
  • use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
  • get seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep per night, when possible
  • lead an active lifestyle that includes 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity
  • eat a healthy diet
  • avoid excessive use of alcohol
  • do not smoke or vape

Document last updated on: 2026-03-17