Australian firefighters, following the lead of those in the United States and Canada, are pushing for better medical care.

United Firefighters Union President Michael Farrell said studies revealed at least five forms of cancer are more common among firefighters than the general population. He said the cancers are caused by the dangerous by-products of burning buildings.

"It's got to do with all the toxic chemicals and toxic smoke firefighters encounter," Farrell told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

"There wouldn't be many firefighters who haven't been subjected to asbestos dust and, of course, they don't know until they get into the fire that it may be asbestos."

Farrell said he wants state authorities and the Australian federal government to amend laws so that firefighters who develop certain forms of cancer automatically receive paid medical care instead of having to prove they contracted it through day-to-day working.  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International



Publication date: 15 November 2007   

Source:

Archive