HOW WE ARE HELPING
FIREFIGHTERS
SFFCPF is dedicated to securing grant funding to implement and collaborate on research studies examining the known link between firefighting toxic exposures and cancer. We collaborate with major research institutions (UCSF, UC Berkeley and Stanford), as well as, organizations focused on biomonitoring and the analysis of firefighting gear and firefighting foam for the presence of toxic chemicals. We will not stop searching until there is a cure.
2010
The San Francisco Fire Department accepts an invitation to participate in the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Firefighter Cohort Study, along with Chicago and Philadelphia, in its most comprehensive study ever of cancer among US Firefighters. The study results were released in 2016.
2012
The Women Firefighters Biomonitoring Collaborative, led by Silent Spring Institute and UC Berkeley researchers, evolved when SFFCPF approached the United Fire Service Women and environmental health advocates with concerns about multiple cases of breast cancer among their ranks. This is the first study of women firefighters to assess chemical exposures, including exposure to chemicals linked to breast cancer. To learn more, check out Women Firefighters Biomonitoring Collaborative and Women Firefighters and Breast Cancer Mapping Exposome Uncover Job Risk Factors on the Silent Spring Institute website.
2013
SFFCPF funds Flame Retardant Study with Dr. Susan Shaw. This was the first study to measure PBDD/Fs in blood of firefighters. View the study (pdf) HERE.
2015
SFFCPF funds a pilot study at UCSF evaluating the Key Flame-Retardant Compound Effect In Human Cell Models Of Cancer.
2017
SFFCPF funds the Northern California Firefighter Study aka the Tubbs Fire Study in response to the devastating October 2017 Tubbs wildfire. This study is looking at various levels of toxic chemicals through blood and urine analysis of 180 firefighters. FF Samples were taken 4 weeks following deployment.
2018
SFFCPF funds the Camp Fire Study following the Paradise, CA Wildland Fire. 80 Firefighters responding from regional departments were sampled immediately post-deployment. The biospecimens are being tested for toxicants likely encountered on the fire ground. Samples are being analyzed for heavy metals, flame retardants, PAH’s and PFAS. Chemical Body Burden Levels will be released to each firefighter participant as information becomes available.
2020
SFFCPF partners with Stanford University’s Study of Retired San Francisco Firefighters investigating short-term and long-term health impacts of exposure to California wildfire smoke. If you are interested in participating or learning more check out Stanford’s Wildfire and Health studies.
2019
Health, Wildfires & Climate Change in California—Recommendations for Action white paper published at UC Berkeley
2019
U.N. Expert Committee Recommends Global Elimination of Toxic Chemical Harming Health of Firefighter. The committee at the Stockholm Convention decided unanimously to recommend a complete global elimination for another toxic fluorinate “forever chemical.”
2020
Higher Rates of Leukemia and Other Cancers Found in 9/11 Responders. Read the full study HERE.
IMPORTANT RESEARCH
FEATURED STUDY
RELATED POSTS
RESEARCH & STUDIES
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Women Firefighters and Breast Cancer: Mapping the Exposome to Uncover On-the-Job Risk Factors
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Fire Gear Laboratory Test Results (Dr. Graham Peaslee)
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Findings from a Study of Cancer among U.S. Fire Fighters
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Exposure–response relationships for select cancer and non- cancer health outcomes in a cohort of US firefighters from San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia (1950–2009)
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Biomonitoring in California Firefighters
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A Workplace Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Firefighters: Lessons Learned
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Mortality and Cancer Incidence in a Pooled Cohort of US Firefighters from San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia (1950–2009)
There are approximately 1.1 million volunteer and career firefighters in the US. During firefighting activities, these workers may be exposed to [...]
San Francisco Firefighters Battling Alarming Cancer Rate
By CBS San Francisco Flames and smoke are the visible threat but cancer is a silent killer that [...]
NIOSH Study of Firefighters Finds Increased Rates of Cancer
By NIOSH A combined population of 30,000 firefighters from three large cities had higher rates of several types [...]
Exposure to Flame Retardant Chemicals Means Firefighters Face Higher Cancer Risk Than Previously Thought
By Bangor Daily News - BDN Maine ELLSWORTH, Maine — New research by a Blue Hill scientist shows that [...]
POPS in CA Firefighters Chemosphere
By Shaw et al. Firefighters may be exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicalsboth during and while [...]
Environmental Factor
By NIH Environmental Science Study finds a possible biomarker of occupational exposure in firefighters. READ THE STUDY [...]
Testimony to US Senate Environment & Public Works Committee
By Tony Stefani
Study Shows Link Between Cancer and Firefighting | Maine News Svc
PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Most firefighters know when they sign up for the job, that it comes with risks; after all, when [...]
Women Firefighters Biomonitoring Collaborative
By The Women Worker's Biomonitoring Collaborative The Women Firefighters Biomonitoring Collaborative Study examined exposures to chemicals linked to [...]