More than a quarter of the firefighters who battled the Grenfell Tower fire have developed chronic health conditions, including cancers and respiratory diseases, prompting calls for better health screening and government action.
Rajeev Syal reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- A study of 524 Grenfell firefighters found 136 reported serious conditions such as cancer, respiratory diseases and neurological disorders.
- Many firefighters lacked respiratory protection during the fire, which released hazardous toxins from cladding.
- The report calls for a health-screening program like the one for 9/11 responders to prevent premature deaths.
Key quote:
"We know there are firefighters like me who worked in really difficult conditions with poor equipment on that day who now have cancer."
— Jamie McDonnell, former firefighter
Why this matters:
Firefighters who risked their lives at Grenfell may face mounting health issues without proper monitoring and support. Similar to 9/11 responders, early detection programs could save lives and highlight the need for better safety protocols.
