The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is supporting a research initiative examining the health impacts of environmental exposures fire fighters faced during California wildfires.
IAFF Chief Science Advisor Dr. Derek Urwin, a Los Angeles County Local 1014 fire fighter and adjunct professor at UCLA, is leading the study as part of the California Firefighter Cancer Research Study.
The research is funded by a grant from the University of California, with additional support from the IAFF’s Cancer Research Fund.
The California Professional Fire Fighters has invited members to participate in the study by providing blood samples for biomarker analysis.
The goal is to track exposure effects over time and assess long-term health risks.
Urwin emphasized the distinct nature of urban wildfire exposures compared to wildland fires, noting the range of hazardous materials present in structures, vehicles, and household items.
“There are three factors we consider when dealing with occupational exposures as fire fighters.
“First, the environment—what’s in the air, the soot, etc. Second, the actual exposures that occur, what is absorbed into the body.
“And third, the biological effects of those exposures that may drive adverse health outcomes,” Urwin said.
He noted that fires like the Eaton and Palisades incidents, which burned in densely populated areas, present unique risks due to the mix of synthetic materials and chemicals released into the air.
Understanding these exposures is a key focus of the research.
The study incorporates a community-based participatory research model, ensuring that fire fighters involved in the study receive updates on findings and have the opportunity to share concerns with researchers.
“This is research by fire fighters for fire fighters,” Urwin said. San Jose, CA Local 230 is one of the CPF affiliates supporting the initiative.
Local 230 President Jerry May highlighted the long-term impact of the research:
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redefine how the fire service approaches cancer research and prevention.
“The studies and data generated through this initiative will not only shape the health and safety of today’s fire fighters but will also create a legacy of improved outcomes for generations to come.”
Urwin stressed the need to make post-exposure biomonitoring a standard practice after major fires to track potential health effects.
“We need to make post-exposure bio-monitoring routine after these events,” Urwin said.
“Right now, we’re using grant funding to make this possible, but it’s critical that we integrate this kind of work into our standard approaches moving forward.”
He added that the IAFF’s continued advocacy plays a key role in ensuring fire fighters receive the health monitoring and protection needed during their careers and beyond.
“The biggest thing is keeping the fire family healthy,” Urwin said. “We all love our jobs. We’re devoted to what we do.
“But we also have families at home, that we have a duty to come home to.”
The IAFF is supporting a research initiative examining fire fighter exposure to environmental hazards during California wildfires.
The study, led by IAFF Chief Science Advisor Dr. Derek Urwin, is part of the California Firefighter Cancer Research Study and is funded by a University of California grant, with additional backing from the IAFF’s Cancer Research Fund.
Fire fighters participating in the study provide blood samples for biomarker analysis to track exposure effects over time.
Urwin emphasized the differences between urban and wildland wildfire exposures, highlighting the variety of hazardous materials present in urban fires.
The study follows a community-based research model, with fire fighters receiving updates on findings.
San Jose, CA Local 230 is among the CPF affiliates supporting the initiative.
Urwin has called for routine post-exposure biomonitoring to be standard practice, emphasizing the IAFF’s role in advocating for fire fighter health and safety.
