Researchers from the University of Central Lancashire are calling for members of the public to help with a ground-breaking project investigating the occupational factors affecting firefighters’ health.
The University is working closely with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s (LTHTR) Research Team to identify a link between the fire effluents that firefighters are exposed to during their work and various types of diseases and cancers.
So far, nine fire brigades have taken part in health screening tests run by the FBU and the University of Central Lancashire. The results will be used to identify the number of firefighters with occupational cancers and other diseases resulting from exposure to toxic contaminants in fire.
"We are calling for local people to play a part in this vital project by being part of a control group so we are able to compare the data. "
— Professor of Fire Toxicity Anna Stec
The researchers are looking for members of the general population who will serve as the control group for this important study.
Participants need to be aged between 40 and 65-years-old with no history of firefighting or fire-related activities and no history of exposure to fire chemicals. They will be asked to fill in a health and lifestyle questionnaire, provide blood and urine test and complete a spirometry test to look at overall lung function.
Professor of Fire Toxicity at the University of Central Lancashire Anna Stec is leading the study.
She said: “The purpose of this research project is to provide crucial evidence for the link between cancer and firefighting smoke exposure as we work towards offering preventative medical screening, education and support that is specifically related to the work of a firefighter.
"It is a straightforward process that really could make a big difference to the future of firefighters’ health."
— Professor of Fire Toxicity Anna Stec
"We are calling for local people to play a part in this vital project by being part of a control group so we are able to compare the data. It is a straightforward process that really could make a big difference to the future of firefighters’ health.”
Appointments will be scheduled for one-hour sessions week commencing 15 July. Tests will be carried out on the Preston Campus by experienced nurses and other specialists from LTHTR and the University.
People can register online and also email the research team for more information.