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Brittany Tolbert
Kinlea Hensel
English 4
14 October, 2015

Annotated Bibliography
Research question: What are some health risks of being a firefighter?
Thesis statement: Fire fighters work in dangerous environments and face unique health hazards,
as a firefighter you have a greater risk for heart attacks, certain cancers, and struggling with
psychological illnesses due to stress.
"Health Risks to Fire Fighters." Health Risks to Fire Fighters. IAFF Firefighters, 2008. Web. 21
Oct. 2015.
Fire fighters face serious risks on the job. They face heat, flames, physical and mental
stress, and high levels of carbon monoxide and other toxic risks in the areas around fires. Heart
attacks account for 45% of all work-related deaths among fire fighters. This risk is high during
firefighting itself. It may be caused by heavy work near hot fires, exposure to carbon monoxide,
and other stresses associated with the job. Lack of physical fitness, being overweight, and
smoking make these risks higher. Firefighting is a high-hazard job, and at times extremely
physically demanding. It involves heavy lifting and maneuvering while wearing heavy clothing
and protective gear in a hot environment. In addition, exposure to carbon monoxide and
particulate matter in the air is routine, and there is a highly variable risk of exposure to a broad
array of other toxic chemicals generated from the smoke of burning materials. It is not surprising
that firefighters face an increased risk of illness and death due to cardiovascular disease during
periods of intense physical and even psychological stress at work

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Quarters, Cindy. "The Risks of Being a Fireman." Work. Chron, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.
In this article the author says According to a report published in "Science Daily,"
firefighters are at a significantly increased risk for developing cancer, especially testicular
cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. This is due to their
frequent exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, including the exhaust from diesel engines such as
those found on fire trucks. They also may be exposed to benzene, formaldehyde, styrene,
chloroform and soot. Firemen may encounter these substances when working on a fire as well as
in the fire station, and can absorb these and other carcinogens through their skin or by inhalation.
Firefighters have a 30 to 100 percent greater chance of developing melanoma and certain cancers
of the esophagus, lung, prostate, brain and kidneys. It is very important that firefighters learn
how to use their safety equipment to avoid the risk of getting seriously ill.
Sweeney, Peggy. "Firefighters at Risk ~ The Negative Effects of Stress and Trauma on the
Human Spirit." Grieving Behind the Badge. N.p., 24 June 2014. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.
In this article the author is an experienced firefighter, she writes about the mental trauma
a firefighter goes through. Many jobs are considered dangerous and stressful by their very
nature. Firefighting is one of the most life-threatening and emotionally traumatic occupations.
The high levels of stress that firefighters routinely encounter can lead to chemical dependency,
physical illness, emotional problems, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Firefighters
receive little if any training or support to help them cope emotionally with traumatic stress.
Following a distressing incident (the death of a child, a mass fatality, or the death of a fellow
firefighter in the line of duty) some fire departments may carry out a critical incident stress
debriefing (CISD) or offer the assistance of a department chaplain. However, only a small

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number of departments offer educational programs on coping with traumatic stress and grief for
the firefighters, their families, and department chaplains.