Cancer Presumption Report Under Review by IAFC

The IAFC is currently reviewing a study commissioned by the National League of Cities (NLC) that supports the NLC’s position opposing the workers compensation presumption that cancer in firefighters is linked to the job. The IAFC, an ardent supporter of cancer presumption laws, is deeply concerned about the impact this report may have on critical firefighter protections, as well as future health and safety research.

The NLC study, Assessing State Firefighter Cancer Presumption Laws and Current Firefighter Cancer Research, is a study of previous studies that, according to the NLC, “demonstrates inadequate scientific research to determine a link between working as a firefighter and an elevated risk of contracting cancer.” An initial assessment suggests that the new study offers no new independent research.

The IAFC, through the IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section, and the IAFF, have each assembled a high-level team consisting of doctorate-level academicians, medical physicians and fire service safety and health experts to thoroughly evaluate the report and provide a complete assessment and fact-based resources for the IAFC, the fire and emergency service community, and the communities they serve.

The IAFC will issue updated information as soon as it is available. Please watch for more information via email, on the IAFC and IAFC Safety, Health and Survival Section websites, and in IAFC On Scene.