A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize january 2025 as "professional firefighter cancer awareness month" in the state of south carolina, to honor the sacrifices made by south carolina firefighters, to increase public awareness about the cancer risks they face, and to promote actions to mitigate these risks.

 

Whereas, South Carolina firefighters risk their lives daily to protect the public, and in doing so, they are exposed to a variety of carcinogens through smoke, hazardous materials, and contaminated gear; and

 

Whereas, cancer has been identified as the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters, accounting for approximately 66 percent of firefighter fatalities according to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network; and

 

Whereas, studies have shown that firefighters are 9 percent more likely to develop cancer and 14 percent more likely to die from cancer compared to the general population, with elevated risks for cancers such as mesothelioma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and testicular cancer; and

 

Whereas, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," are present in firefighter gear and are linked to a wide range of cancers, including kidney, liver, and prostate cancer; and

 

Whereas, the elimination of PFAS from firefighter personal protective equipment and the development of safer alternatives are critical steps in reducing cancer risks for firefighters; and

 

Whereas, awareness, education, and proactive measures, such as routine health screenings, decontamination practices, and advocacy for safer equipment are essential in reducing occupational cancer risks among professional South Carolina firefighters; and

 

Whereas, it is imperative that funding be increased for research into firefighter occupational cancer and the development of PFAS-free gear, and educational initiatives aimed at equipping firefighters and their families with knowledge about cancer prevention and early detection.  Additionally, there needs to be advocacy for state and federal policies to phase out PFAS from all firefighter equipment and to support the transition to safer alternatives; and

 

Whereas, the House of Representatives is committed to collaborating with local fire departments, unions, and associations to prioritize the health and safety of firefighters and to ensure that they are provided with the tools and resources necessary to reduce their cancer risks.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize January 2025 as "Professional Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month" in the State of South Carolina, to honor the sacrifices made by South Carolina firefighters, to increase public awareness about the cancer risks they face, and to promote actions to mitigate these risks.

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