Toxic exposure occupations
These are some of the occupations that place individuals at risk of toxic exposure on military bases:
- military firefighter
- administrative personnel
- combat specialty personnel
- construction personnel
- electronic and electrical equipment repair personnel
- engineering, science, and technical personnel
- healthcare personnel
- human resource development personnel
- machine operator and production personnel
- media and public affairs personnel
- protective service personnel
- support service personnel
- transportation and material handling personnel
- vehicle and machinery mechanic personnel
- education personnel
Because they are very effective in putting out fires stemming from combustible and flammable liquids and gases, PFAS are also present in the firefighting foam known as AFFF, which both civilian and military firefighters use. As a result, toxic exposure becomes inevitable in their case. Exposure to the PFAS in this fire suppressant occurs mostly by inhalation and ingestion. Cancer is now a leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide, and occupational toxic exposure plays a significant role in this disheartening statistic.
9/11 toxic exposure occupations
On the fateful day of September 11, 2001, as part of the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, over 70 known carcinogens and other toxic chemicals were released into the air throughout Lower Manhattan. As a result of having inhaled harmful air, responders are still developing cancers and respiratory diseases decades later. The illnesses 9/11 responders are at high risk of developing include lung cancer, asthma, ovarian cancer, chronic cough syndrome, pancreatic cancer, and mesothelioma, as asbestos was also released into the air.
These are the 9/11 occupations implying a serious risk of developing cancer or another disease due to toxic exposure:
- firefighter
- police officer
- paramedic
- emergency medical personnel
- demolition worker
- debris removal worker
It is important to know that, in addition to survivors, New York City Fire Department active or retired members and World Trade Center general responders might be eligible for financial compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund if they suffer from a qualifying health condition. To date, 1,469 World Trade Center Health Program members have died from airway and digestive disorders, whereas 1,366 passed away from cancer.
Asbestos exposure occupations
As a naturally occurring mineral with a wide range of convenient properties and industrial uses, asbestos has been employed since ancient times. However, prolonged or frequent exposure can result in mesothelioma, a very aggressive and almost always fatal cancer, within 20 to 50 years. Exposure to this mineral can also cause lung, colorectal, throat, and bronchial cancer. During the past century, people experienced heavy asbestos exposure in numerous civilian and military occupations.
