U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski announced the Senate's passage of the Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023. This legislation, led by Murkowski since 2016, continues to support a national cancer registry for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. The aim is to enhance research and data collection to better understand the link between exposure to toxins and higher cancer rates among firefighters.
Senator Murkowski stated, "Firefighters protecting Alaskans on the frontlines are routinely exposed to harmful toxins on the job, which lead to higher cancer rates. Stories like those of Andy Mullen, who lost his battle with cancer caused by exposure to carcinogens while responding to a brush fire, are why I have been a steadfast advocate and co-sponsor of the National Firefighter Cancer Registry Act." She emphasized that this registry is a valuable resource in understanding these risks and working towards reducing them.
Chief Josh Waldo, President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, expressed gratitude for Murkowski's efforts: "This registry has made a difference for firefighters everywhere," he said. "I want to thank Senator Murkowski for her successful efforts to reauthorize the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer and make its continued success possible."
Dominic Lozano, President of Alaska Professional Fire Fighters, also praised Murkowski’s work: “The Alaska Professional Fire Fighters want to thank Senator Murkowski for all her work on the passage of the National Fire Fighter Cancer Registry Act,” he stated. He highlighted that this legislation supports ongoing efforts to remove carcinogens from firefighting gear and improve workplace safety.
The bipartisan Firefighter Cancer Registry Act became law on July 12, 2018. It directs the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to examine how long-term exposure to dangerous toxins affects cancer frequency among firefighters. The act includes collecting epidemiological information from healthcare professionals about cancer cases in firefighters, improving safety protocols as data accumulates, and making de-identified data available for public health research.
Alerts Sign-up