RESEARCH & STUDIES

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.

SFFCPF Funded Research and Collaborations

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.

Research in Progress

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.