Episode 37 – Exposure to Carcinogens & Firefighter Cancer – Dr. Kenny Fent & Dr. Gavin Horn

In this episode, Matt and Chris talk to Dr. Kenny Fent and Dr. Gavin Horn.  Dr. Fent and Dr. Horn are researchers for CDC/NIOSH and the UL Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) respectively who’ve collectively published over 150 peer-reviewed articles summarizing their findings in industrial hygiene and safety studies – many of which were done for the fire service.  In this episode, we focused primarily on studies conducted on firefighter exposure to carcinogens during fires and the higher prevalence of cancer among firefighters. We discussed specific findings and control measures that can be implemented right now to curb the risk or exposure.  

We also discussed the newly formed NIOSH National Firefighter Registry (NFR) which is a voluntary registry of firefighters that is designed to help us better understand cancer in the U.S. fire service. The NFR is set to launch early this year.