Take the Pledge to Reduce Occupational Cancer in Fire Fighters Across the U.S. & Canada
Take the Pledge to Reduce Occupational Cancer in Fire Fighters Across the U.S. & Canada
Why this petition matters
By signing this petition - you are taking this pledge:
“I pledge to do everything in my power to reduce my risk of contracting job-related cancers, for my health and to protect my loved ones. I also promise to be diligent in protecting my brothers and sisters from inadvertent exposures that can lead to occupational diseases. Together, we can improve the safety of our own and ensure we are able to serve the public we have sworn to protect. Together we can make a difference.”
You can learn more at www.iaff.org/cancer-awareness-month
More About Our Mission:
Fire fighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. In 2019, more than 75% of the names of fire fighters added to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall of Honor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, were of members who died from occupational cancer.
Fire fighter decontamination/risk reduction procedures and annual medical screenings are the first line of defense for reducing the incidence of cancer; however, many fire departments have not yet created cancer awareness programs and are not operating with best practices as it pertains to occupational contamination and exposure reduction protocols.
In partnership with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN), the IAFF has designated January as Fire Fighter Cancer Awareness Month to provide fire fighters the necessary tools and guidance to develop life-saving protocols for cancer prevention within their departments.
In addition, bringing increased public awareness to occupational cancer in the fire service will help generate greater legislative support for states and provinces to establish a presumptive disability for cancer.
Decision Makers
- firefighters
- Fire Departments