This affects firefighters the most.
A new small-scale study suggests that firefighters may be at an increased risk of developing brain cancers, specifically gliomas, due to exposure to chemicals found in fire extinguishers. The research, published in the journal Cancer on March 10, indicates that veteran firefighters appear to have a higher likelihood of gliomas, a type of brain tumor linked to gene mutations caused by chemicals known as haloalkanes, which are present in flame retardants.
Previous studies have pointed to a distinct mutational “signature” in gliomas associated with haloalkane exposure. This study, led by Dr. Elizabeth Claus from Yale University, confirms the presence of this signature in a group of firefighters who have had prolonged exposure to these chemicals. Gliomas are the most common form of brain cancer, making up about one-third of all brain tumors, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
For the study, researchers examined the brain tumors of 17 firefighters diagnosed with gliomas as part of a larger study from the University of California-San Francisco. These firefighters had an average of 22 years of service. The researchers compared their tumors with those of 18 other individuals from various occupations. The results showed that the firefighters’ tumors were more likely to contain the mutational signature associated with haloalkane exposure, especially among those with longer careers in firefighting.
In contrast, the mutational signature was also found in individuals from other professions, such as car painting and machine maintenance, where exposure to similar chemicals might occur. While the findings offer valuable insights, Dr. Claus emphasized that the study is preliminary and further research with a larger sample size is necessary.
Understanding the link between chemical exposure and brain cancer mutations is crucial for developing public health strategies and identifying potential occupational hazards that could be mitigated to protect workers’ health, Claus concluded.
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