Read the full article by Amber Raub (WPEC)
“This week, state lawmakers are discussing how much money to put towards research on cancer risks and prevention for firefighters.
This is all sparked by research that found our first responders are being exposed to ‘forever chemicals’ known as PFAS. According to researchers, these chemicals can be found in fire-fighting foam, their gear, and toxic smoke and soot. And they are suspected of contributing to the risk of developing cancer at higher rates.
House lawmakers have proposed putting $2.25 million toward this research while the Senate is proposing $500,000.
Since 2015, the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Miller School of Medicine has been researching this issue in Florida through the Firefighter Cancer Initiative. And after funding is approved, it will go toward expanding access to cancer screenings, including creating a satellite resource center that will serve the Treasure Coast, and working on cancer risk reduction and prevention.” …