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Carcinogen Exposure Risk

Wildfires expose wildland firefighters (WLFFs) to many different types of exposure hazards and risks, including carcinogens (substances that can cause cancer). Common exposures experienced during suppression and prescribed fire operations include smoke, dust, and ash. Additional carcinogenic exposures in the wildland fire environment include diesel exhaust, crystalline silica through work activities performed in ash and soil, asbestos, and radionuclides in certain geographic areas, heavy metals, and sunlight. WLFFs can be exposed to these hazards through inhaling, ingesting, and absorbing through the skin or mucous membranes.

Image
Infographic of IARC Monographs Vol. 132: occupational exposure as a firefighter

 

 

In 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that “occupational exposure” as a firefighter was classified as “carcinogenic to humans” based on “sufficient” evidence for cancer in humans. This evaluation considered exposure and health studies from structural and wildland firefighters. The magnitude and frequency of exposure to carcinogens in the wildland environment vary, and traditional exposure reduction methods may be difficult to implement. Current recommended mitigation strategies to reduce exposure to carcinogens include:

Reduce exposure to dermal hazards

  • Implement hygiene practices for yourself and your gear and equipment.
  • “Cold trail” only to the extent of what is needed to secure your area.
  • When possible, shower or use a “bath-in-a-bag” to remove residual soot/ash from the skin.
  • Wear clean clothing and when possible, wash your clothing, often. If unable to launder, exchange clothing when on incidents. Clean high-touch surfaces in vehicles and workplaces.
  • Protect your skin from sun exposure. Apply sunscreen to sun-exposed areas (following manufacturer’s instructions).

Reduce exposure to inhalation and ingestion hazards

  • Establish mop-up criteria that allow resources to secure their area based on fire behavior, fuels, and topography.
  • Rotate fire personnel in and out of areas with high unavoidable smoke exposure.
  • Use air resource advisors to monitor and address smoke concerns at fire camps.
  • Locate Incident Command Posts (ICPs) and remote camps where the least smoke impact is practicable.
  • When provided, use the ventilated sleeping trailers.

WLFFs and incident management personnel prioritize health and safety, however, it is important to note that not all mitigation strategies will be applicable in all settings. Understanding your risk and implementing mitigation options where and when possible, may reduce your overall exposure.

Discussion Question:

  • What are specific ways you can minimize your exposure in various work scenarios? Think through shifts when you experienced exposure to carcinogenic hazards and implemented strategies to reduce your risk.
Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461
Interagency Standards for Fire & Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book)
International Agency for Research on Cancer (World Health Organization), Occupa…

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page