Safety and Health at Work

Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (산업안전보건연구원)
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Work Conditions and Practices in Norwegian Fire Departments From 1950 Until Today: A Survey on Factors Potentially Influencing Carcinogen Exposure

  • Jakobsen, Jarle (Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway) ;
  • Babigumira, Ronnie (Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway) ;
  • Danielsen, Marie (Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway) ;
  • Grimsrud, Tom K. (Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway) ;
  • Olsen, Raymond (National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway) ;
  • Rosting, Cecilie (National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway) ;
  • Veierod, Marit B. (Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo) ;
  • Kjaerheim, Kristina (Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway)
  • Received : 2020.03.10
  • Accepted : 2020.07.09
  • Published : 2020.12.30
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Abstract

Background: Meta-analyses have shown firefighters to be at an increased risk of several cancer types. Occupational carcinogen exposure may explain these increased risks. This study aims to describe Norwegian fire departments' work conditions from 1950 until today, focusing on factors relevant for potential occupational carcinogen exposure. Methods: With the help of a reference group, we developed a questionnaire on topics related to occupational exposure to carcinogens for the period 1950-2018. Selected Norwegian fire departments provided department-specific responses. Results: Sixteen departments, providing fire services for 48% of the Norwegian population as of 2019 and mainly consisting of professional firefighters, responded to our questionnaire. The introduction of synthetic firefighting foams, more regular live fire training, the introduction of chemical diving, and a higher number of diesel-driven fire service vehicles were identified as changes thought to increase exposure to occupational carcinogens. Changes thought to decrease exposure included the switch from negative to positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatuses, the use of self-contained breathing apparatuses during all phases of firefighting, the use of ventilating fans during firefighting, increased attention to flammable materials used during live fire training, increased attention to handling and cleaning of turnout gear and other equipment, and installment of exhaust removal systems in apparatus bays. Conclusion: Norwegian fire departments' work conditions have seen several changes since 1950, and this could influence firefighters' occupational carcinogen exposure. A peak of carcinogen exposure may have occurred in the 1970s and 1980s before recent changes have reduced exposure.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the participating fire departments for the work they put into completing the questionnaire. Thanks to the members of our reference group for assisting in making the questionnaire, and interpreting and categorizing responses. Thanks to Line Solhaug (research assistant, Cancer Registry of Norway) for help with data collection. Thanks to Elisabeth Jakobsen (Head of communications, Cancer Registry of Norway) for help with designing Fig. 4.

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