Grenfell Tower fire: A dozen Grenfell firefighters have been diagnosed with terminal cancer

[ad_1]

Get our free Morning Headlines email to get news from our correspondents around the world

As many as a dozen firefighters who dealt with the blaze in Grenfell Tower have been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

According to reports, it is understood that the cancers are mainly gastrointestinal cancers and leukemia.

Firefighters and survivors of the disaster have called for medical checks as a list is drawn up of rescue workers who went into the West London fire in 2017 with cancer.

It is also understood that strokes, heart disease and kidney failure were recorded among the heroes – perhaps due to the material toll taken on their bodies during the tragedy.

“We expect to reveal some really disappointing data soon. A fire service source told The Mirror.

Some of the 1,300 firefighters believed to have attended the scene were left in their soiled suits for more than 10 hours while others were kept in a smoky basement for up to six hours.

The firefighters ran out of air and could inhale smoke.

The newspaper said that analyzes conducted on the debris found that there were high concentrations of chemicals that cause cancer and confirmed carcinogens within 200 meters of the tower.

Responders were also seen outside the tower in the days after the fire without protective gear, as some experts feared the toxins might be worse for people in the aftermath of the fire.

Experts found that there were high concentrations of cancer-causing chemicals and confirmed carcinogens within 200 meters of the tower

(PA wire)

Meanwhile, this week’s research found that firefighters are twice as likely to develop cancer if they find soot in their nose or throat, and the same rate applies to those who remain in their often contaminated toolkit for more than four hours after a fire. .

Ricardo La Torre, FBF National Officer, said: “This vital research proves that firefighters are suffering and dying from cancer, stroke, heart disease and mental ill health as a result of going to work and protecting the public.

“We now know that firefighters are exposed to health and life-threatening pollutants as a result of their occupation, and they certainly could have been in an accident of the magnitude and magnitude of the Grenfell Tower fire.

“However, firefighters are being left in the dark due to the lack of regular health surveillance and appropriate exposure monitoring in the UK.

“Because of this inaction by government and fire chiefs, the Fire Brigade Union is commissioning further research to help us claim appropriate protection and support for our members attending Grenfell, and for firefighters across the UK.”

Paul Takli with his son, Isaac Paul, who died of smoke inhalation

(PA average)

David Padillo, the first firefighter to enter, said: “On a personal level, this is very worrying. I have two young children and I want to see them grow up.

“I’ve been examined and nothing has turned up, fortunately, so far, but you don’t know what could happen in the future.”

Another firefighter said he felt suicidal and left scars in his lungs.

He said, “I’ve heard so many guys and girls get ‘Grenfell cough’ and I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life.”

The Grenfell tragedy left 72 people dead and set off a series of inquiries about response and building safety.

The youngest victim was only six months old.

The cladding of other buildings was re-evaluated after the fire, with residents calling for it to be removed and alarm clocks placed outside some properties.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Our firefighters must be as safe as possible when carrying out their jobs, and we are currently involved in two studies investigating the potential impact of pollutants on health, including one directly linked to the Grenfell Tower fire.

“All firefighters and officers who attended Grenfell were invited to participate in the research project, which carefully monitors their health even after they retire or leave the service. Staff also have access to our Occupational Health Services to support them through periods of ill health.”

[ad_2]