The risk of cancer in firefighters

Abstract

A substantial body of literature now exists on the carcinogenic hazards of firefighting. The authors discuss in detail the data on the carcinogens benzene, asbestos, PAHS, formaldehyde, and diesel exhaust, and they go on to examine the prevalent cancers in firefighters, including leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and cancer of the brain and bladder.

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Pulmonary effects of firefighting

Abstract

The authors examine the acute and chronic effects of exposure to smoke among firefighters and look at mortality studies for the risk of death due to nonmalignant respiratory disease and lung cancer.

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Occupational stress in contemporary fire service

Abstract

Although it is universally accepted that firefighting ranks among the most stressful occupations in the U.S., the quality of information on the matter has often been limited and subject to extreme variation. To help address the situation, the authors provide a thorough review of the literature on psychic trauma resulting from critical occupational events, draw specific applications to fire and rescue enterprises, discuss models of addressing stress disorders, and argue for a reasoned, ethical, and effective approach to the problem.

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Communicable disease and firefighters

Abstract

As firefighters are increasing working in emergency medical response roles, their exposure to infectious diseases has also increased. This article discusses the various pathogens to which firefighters are particularly exposed and outlines measures to reduce their incidence. Legislation and resources specific to the fire service also are identified.

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Smoke inhalation among firefighters

Abstract

Smoke inhalation may account for up to 75% of fire-related deaths and presents with a wide variety of complaints and findings. The authors examine the components of smoke to illustrate the patterns of smoke injury, provide useful guidelines on evaluation and management, survey current laboratory and diagnostic studies, and present their recommendations for treatment.

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Psychological consequences of the Kegworth air disaster

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The study sought to quantify psychiatric morbidity among survivors of a major air crash and to identify aetiological factors linked with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHOD:

Sixty-eight of the 79 survivors (86%) were assessed at a clinical interview within one year of the disaster. The majority also completed the General Health Questionnaire, the Impact of Events Scale (IES) and the Zung Anxiety and Depression Scales.

RESULTS:

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Somatization and medicalization in the era of managed care

Abstract

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In search of altruistic community: patterns of social support mobilization following Hurricane Hugo

Abstract

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Transcultural aspects of dissociative and somatoform disorders

Abstract

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Review of psychiatric epidemiologic research on disasters

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