Cohort mortality study of Philadelphia firefighters

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Firefighters face exposure to diverse toxic chemicals.
• Previous studies on firefighter cancer risks were limited by small sample sizes and employment characteristic data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cancer and overall mortality risks in a large cohort of Philadelphia firefighters.
• To examine the relationship between specific employment characteristics (career runs, diesel exposure) and mortality outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort mortality study of 7,789 Philadelphia firefighters (1925-1986).
• Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for various causes of death.
• Mortality was compared across groups based on career runs and potential diesel exposure.

Main Results:

• Overall mortality and cancer mortality were similar to U.S. white men.
• Statistically significant deficits in deaths from nervous system, cerebrovascular, respiratory, genitourinary diseases, accidents, and suicide were observed.
• Increased mortality risks were found for colon cancer, ischemic heart disease, kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and benign neoplasms, particularly in those with over 20 years of service.

Conclusions:

• No significant increase in overall firefighter mortality was identified.
• Elevated mortality risks for colon cancer, kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma were observed.
• The study could not adequately assess risks associated with diesel equipment due to insufficient follow-up.