Firefighter Discusses Long-Term Health Effects of the Job

Volunteer firefighter and member of the Firemen’s Association of New York State, John D’Alessandro, discusses the long-term health problems that both full-time and volunteer firefighters are facing.

According to D’Alessandro, studies show a direct link between firefighters and cancer, the disease being a common long-term impact of the career. D’Alessandro says materials in buildings are much different nowadays, containing many more toxins and carcinogens compared to years ago.

The fight for volunteers, D’Alessandro explains, is to pass a bill through legislature that would cover long-term health issues faced by volunteer firefighters, cancer. Full-time firefighters are covered, where as volunteer firefighters are not. D’Alessandro says contributing to this cause is how the public can give back to firefighters and show appreciation for their work.