Workplace Control Measures to Protect Firefighters from Carcinogens

Firefighters are regularly exposed to cancer-causing chemicals or agents known as carcinogens. Use multiple control measures in a layered approach for the best possible protection.

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.

Workplace Control Measures to Protect Firefighters from Carcinogens

Infographic: Workplace Control Measures to Protect Firefighters from Carcinogens

Description: Workplace Control Measures to Protect Firefighters from Carcinogens

Firefighters are regularly exposed to cancer-causing chemicals or agents known as carcinogens.

Use multiple control measures in a layered approach for the best possible protection.

Hierarchy of Controls

  • Elimination
  • Substitution
  • Engineering controls
  • Administrative controls
  • Personal protective equipment

Elimination

Remove the hazard

  • Elimination of hazards in the fire service is not always possible. Educate the public about fire safety practices and hazardous conditions to prevent fires

Substitution

Replace the hazard with something less hazardous

  • Use PFAS-free foam when possible and replace bunker gear with PFAS-free options as they become available
  • Substitute engineered wood products with untreated lumber in training fires

Engineering controls

Control hazards at the source

  • Install diesel exhaust capture systems in fire hall bays
  • Keep laundry rooms ventilated at a slight negative pressure
  • Separate the fire station into “hazard zones” (clean and contaminated areas) to prevent harmful chemicals from spreading

Administrative controls

Perform work in a way that minimizes hazards

  • Rotate workers through job roles to reduce exposures
  • Develop gross decontamination procedures with preference given to wet decontamination when possible
  • Educate workers about hazards and provide training to reduce the risk of occupational cancer

Personal protective equipment

Protect the worker where the exposure occurs

  • Provide workers with the right personal protective equipment for the job. It should fit properly and be available for all body types and genders
  • Train workers on how to use, clean, maintain and inspect the equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards

Document last updated on: 2026-03-17