Local firefighters face cancer risks from on-the-job exposures

Tacoma-area firefighters report higher cancer rates that officials link to workplace exposures such as smoke, soot and PFAS, and some departments are adopting decontamination routines, medical screening and local nonprofit support.

Firefighters in Tacoma and nearby departments are confronting a rising burden of cancer that officials link to on-the-job exposures. Lieutenant Matt Frank has had two cancer diagnoses and a longtime colleague, Robert "Bo" Schiemer, died of stomach cancer in 2023. Agencies point to toxic products in smoke, diesel exhaust and PFAS in some gear and foams as sources of exposure. Some departments and nonprofits are introducing decontamination routines, health checks and support services for affected firefighters. Key details: - The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports firefighters have about a 9% higher chance of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher chance of dying from it compared with the general U.S. population. - Officials and firefighters cite inhalation of smoke and soot, skin contact and PFAS in certain gear and foams as common exposure pathways. - Central Pierce officials said four firefighters in that department died from occupational cancer in the past four years, while Tacoma firefighters report limited decontamination facilities and budget constraints for upgrades. - The Washington State Council of Firefighters Cancer Foundation provides support for diagnosed firefighters, and the CDC has established a National Firefighter Registry for Cancer that unions and agencies encourage firefighters to join. Summary: Local firefighters and departments are responding to documented occupational cancer risks with cleaner procedures, medical screening programs and nonprofit support. Research and reporting into links between firefighting exposures and cancer are ongoing, and the International Association of Firefighters and other groups are encouraging participation in the CDC's National Firefighter Registry to improve understanding of risks and outcomes. Additional facility upgrades and broader funding decisions remain undetermined at this time.