Firefighters in Finland advocate for cancer recognition after job-related exposures

Firefighters are exposed to cancer-causing substances in their line of work, yet their cancers are rarely classified as occupational diseases. This issue has gained attention in recent years, especially since the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified firefighting as high-risk for cancer in 2022. As a result, there has been a significant shift in workplace culture within fire departments, with greater efforts to minimize exposure to hazardous substances.

Juha Salonen, a fire chief who was diagnosed with cancer last spring, believes his condition is directly linked to his work. Over the years, he accumulated countless exposures to toxic materials during firefighting operations. Despite the requirement for firefighters to log their smoke exposure, this practice has not been consistently maintained.

Salonen is not alone in his battle; several of his colleagues have also developed cancer, with some sadly passing away. He discovered that even employers were often unclear about how to handle employees who fell ill. He expressed frustration that navigating the system to prove a link between his cancer and his profession fell on the sick worker rather than the employer.

The inconsistency in documenting exposure incidents across various fire departments has raised concerns. Although laws changed four years ago to ease reporting processes, many departments still vary in how they document exposures.

If an employee is recognized as having an occupational cancer, they are entitled to compensation. However, Salonen has not yet received a decision from the Occupational Health Institute regarding his case, and he expects a rejection. Currently, only cancers caused by asbestos are considered occupational diseases, leaving many firefighters, like Salonen, to fight for recognition of their work-related health issues.