Researchers at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health have been awarded $5 million by the state of Texas to study cancer risks among firefighters. The two-year project, led by Dr. Jooyeon Hwang, aims to focus on early detection and research into cancer risk for firefighters in Texas.
Dr. Hwang, an associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, has previously highlighted that repeated exposure to harmful chemicals in fire smoke can lead to chronic health issues such as cancer. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, firefighters face a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from it.
Data from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection indicates that between 2019 and 2023, cancer diagnoses among Texas firefighters increased nearly fivefold. While other studies have explored cancer risks among U.S. firefighters, none have specifically focused on Texas, which is home to over 55,000 firefighters.
“This is a groundbreaking opportunity because we are looking at cadets, active firefighters, and retired firefighters to understand the impacts of firefighting on their lifelong health," said Dr. Hwang. "Investigating fire smoke carcinogens, cancer biomarkers, and the effect on their long-term health will provide insight and help contribute to developing protective measures for this essential workforce.”
The study has received support from various organizations including the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters and the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association. John Riddle, president of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters expressed gratitude towards state legislators for their support in preventing occupational cancer.
Patrick M. “Marty” Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association stated: “This research is deeply personal to every firefighter in Texas... What makes this project so important is that it’s not just about statistics — it’s about finding answers for our past, present and future firefighters.”
The research will involve examining work histories from new recruits as well as active and retired members of the Houston Fire Department. Air samples will be collected from fires to measure exposure levels to carcinogenic chemicals. Additionally, researchers plan annual screenings for early detection.
Houston Fire Department's chief Thomas Muñoz remarked: “This study is a great first step toward realizing a change in the culture of firefighter safety... I am hopeful that the work being done by UTHealth Houston will pave the way for meaningful change in occupational safety.”
The ultimate goal is identifying high-risk groups among firefighters while recommending policies aimed at safeguarding their health through data collected from various sources including the Texas Cancer Registry.
Co-investigators Kristina Mena and Miryoung Lee from UTHealth Houston's School of Public Health will assist Dr. Hwang alongside administrative support provided by Southwest Center for Occupational & Environmental Health where Dr.Hwang serves as deputy director.
