The study by Milham suggests that some of the increased cancer risk in firefighters may be caused by exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from mobile two-way radio communications devices and firehouse and fire vehicle radio transmitters. The study argues that this is consistent with the increased risk of certain cancers in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields and RFR, and suggests that the precautionary principle should be applied to reduce the risk of cancer in firefighters.
Another study found that mobile phone use in healthy individuals can cause alterations in the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones. The study found that the TSH level increased significantly in the group of participants who used mobile phones for 30 minutes, and suggests that mobile phone use may cause thyroid dysfunction. However, it is important to note that this study had a small sample size and further research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the potential effects of mobile phone use on the thyroid gland.
Firefighters are known to be at an increased risk of certain types of cancers, including leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, male breast cancer, malignant melanoma, and cancers of the brain, stomach, colon, rectum, prostate, urinary bladder, testes, and thyroid. While many of these cancers are thought to be caused by exposure to carcinogens in combustion products inhaled during firefighting, recent studies have suggested that exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) may also play a role in the development of these cancers.
One study by Milham suggests that the list of cancers with increased risk in firefighters strongly overlaps the list of cancers at increased risk in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields and RFR. Firefighters have increased exposure to RFR in the course of their work, from the mobile two-way radio communications devices which they routinely use while fighting fires, and at times from firehouse and fire vehicle radio transmitters. The study argues that this is consistent with the increased risk of certain cancers in workers exposed to electromagnetic fields and RFR, and suggests that some of the increased cancer risk in firefighters is caused by RFR exposure.
Another study found that mobile phone use in healthy individuals can cause alterations in the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones. The study found that the TSH level increased significantly in the group of participants who used mobile phones for 30 minutes, and suggests that mobile phone use may cause thyroid dysfunction. However, it is important to note that this study had a small sample size and further research is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the potential effects of mobile phone use on the thyroid gland.
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between RFR exposure and cancer in firefighters, it is important for firefighters to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to reduce their exposure to RFR. This may include limiting the use of mobile two-way radio communications devices, and ensuring that firehouse and fire vehicle radio transmitters are properly maintained and operated. Additionally, fire departments should consider implementing the precautionary principle to reduce the risk of cancer in firefighters, and workman’s compensation rules will necessarily need to be modified.
Overall, it is important for firefighters to be aware of the potential risks of RFR exposure and take steps to reduce their exposure. While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between RFR exposure and cancer in firefighters, it is important for firefighters to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to reduce their exposure to RFR.