Firefighters and Asbestos: A Proven Cancer Risk - Symptoms can show decades after exposure

Firefighting has been identified as one of the occupations with the most clearly documented cancer risks in modern public health research, according to findings from leading international and U.S. agencies.

In 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reclassified occupational exposure as a firefighter to Group 1 — “carcinogenic to humans” — the agency’s highest risk category. The decision was based on sufficient evidence linking firefighting to mesothelioma and bladder cancer, according to the article. 

Supporting evidence comes from the NIOSH Firefighter Cancer Study, which tracked nearly 30,000 career firefighters in three major U.S. cities. The study found that firefighters face more than double the risk of developing mesothelioma compared to the general population, with a standardized incidence ratio of 2.29.

The IARC working group stated that the classification applies broadly to all firefighters involved in fire suppression activities, including volunteers. Elevated cancer risks have been consistently observed across multiple international studies and meta-analyses, reinforcing the global scope of the issue.

Symptoms can show up long after the firefighting career is over -  watch for fluid buildup and shortness of breath

Researchers note that the full extent of the disease burden has yet to emerge. Mesothelioma typically develops after a latency period of often decades, meaning firefighters exposed during the 1970s and 1980s are perhaps only now entering the peak window for diagnosis.

According to a post on the medical blog Mesothelioma Hope, asbestos health effects typically appear 10 to 50 years later, with early signs including shortness of breath and fluid buildup. 

If you were exposed to asbestos, the site advises to talk with your doctor about getting screened for mesothelioma and other related illnesses — even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms yet.

An article on the WikiMesothelioma Knowledge Base covers diagnosis rates among firefighters, occupational exposure pathways, and the compensation options available to affected members and their families. It's written for the public — union members, retired firefighters, and families trying to understand their options after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Highlights from the article: 

Asbestos exposure occurs during fires, collapses, and disaster response
Exposure most often happens when responders operate in burning or damaged structures where asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. Structural fires, building collapses, and large-scale emergencies release microscopic fibers into the air, creating inhalation risks during active operations.

Toxic materials released from older buildings are a primary hazard
Many older buildings still contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, roofing, and other materials. When these structures burn or are damaged, asbestos fibers become airborne, turning routine firefighting and rescue operations into long-term health hazards.

Overhaul and post-fire operations pose the highest exposure risk
The article highlights overhaul—the phase where firefighters search for hidden fire—as one of the most dangerous periods for exposure. During this stage, respiratory protection is sometimes reduced or removed, even though airborne toxins and asbestos fibers may still be present in high concentrations.

Long latency period delays diagnosis by decades
Mesothelioma can take 20 to 50 years to develop after exposure, meaning many firefighters are diagnosed long after their active service. This delayed onset complicates early detection and contributes to rising case numbers among retirees.

Large-scale disasters significantly increase exposure levels
Major incidents such as terrorist attacks or large building collapses can dramatically increase exposure levels due to the sheer volume of debris and hazardous materials released. Responders at these events often face prolonged and intense contact with airborne contaminants.

Protective measures and awareness remain critical gaps
While protective equipment and safety protocols have improved, the article notes ongoing gaps in awareness and consistent use, particularly during later stages of incidents. Training, policy enforcement, and cultural shifts within fire services are identified as key areas for improvement.

Compensation options include workers’ compensation and asbestos trust funds
The article outlines several avenues for financial support available to affected responders, including workers’ compensation systems, asbestos trust funds established by bankrupt manufacturers, and legal claims. These mechanisms are intended to help cover medical costs and provide support for those diagnosed with occupational cancers.

The WikiMesothelioma Knowledge Base also provides a podcast on asbestos exposure, The Asbestos Podcast —  episodes on the history of asbestos regulation, trust fund compensation, and occupational exposure for specific industries. Available also on Apple and Spotify. 

Further Reading:

https://www.sffcpf.org/niosh-study-of-firefighters-finds-increased-rates-of-cancer/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597261/?

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/chemicals/firefighting.html?

https://publications.iarc.who.int/Book-And-Report-Series/Iarc-Monographs-On-The-Identification-Of-Carcinogenic-Hazards-To-Humans/Occupational-Exposure-As-A-Firefighter-2023?

https://www.iarc.who.int/news-events/iarc-monographs-evaluate-the-carcinogenicity-of-occupational-exposure-as-a-firefighter/?

https://wikimesothelioma.com/wiki/Firefighters_First_Responders

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2822%2900390-4/abstract?