Protecting London’s firefighters from dangerous chemicals
Firefighters can be exposed to hazardous contaminants while carrying out their vital work keeping the public safe.
Research carried out by the Fire Brigades Union1 found that firefighters aged 35-39 may be more than three times as likely than the general population in the same age category to develop cancer, and that exposure to contaminants is also linked to poor mental health.
In the first meeting of its investigation into the effects of contaminants on firefighters’ health and wellbeing, the London Assembly Fire Committee will tomorrow ask experts about the risks, how they are managed, and what more could be done to mitigate them.
The guests are:
- Professor Anna Stec, Professor in Fire Chemistry and Toxicity, University of Lancashire
- Luke Gazzard, NFCC Contaminants Group, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Service Delivery, Avon Fire & Rescue Service
- Dr Johanna Feary, Academic Consultant in Occupational Lung Disease
- Dr Alberto Caban-Martinez, Professor of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, Deputy Director of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday 16 September at 10am in Committee Rooms 2 & 3 at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- Zack Polanski AM, Chair of the Fire Committee, is available for interview.
- Read the agenda in full.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
- Find out more about the work of the Fire Committee.
For more information, please contact Josh Hunt in the Assembly Media Office on 07763 252310 or [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.