Cancer in Fire Service: Discussion of Research, Identification of Risk, and Mitigation of Risk Factors Related to Cancer for Firefighters
Wednesday
9:00 – 10:00 am
Crystal Ballroom J1
Convention Level
Epidemiological research continues to grow establishing that firefighters are exposed to environmental toxins creating a substantially increased risk of cancer. Many states have acknowledged this increased risk by creating presumptions that some cancers are related to the workplace. In some states a hybrid alternative to workers’ compensation has been created. Have we reached a point where cancer can be acknowledged as a compensable occupational disease for firefighters? How can we better protect firefighters from exposure to harmful carcinogens? These timely questions will be addressed by this panel of fire service and academic experts. This session will also be extremely helpful to those who handle non-firefighter cases to understand how cancers can contribute to entitlement to benefits as related to other compensable conditions.
Moderator:
Geoff Bichler, Attorney
Bichler and Longo, PLLC
Orlando, FL
Speakers:
Keith Tyson
State Director
Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Miami, FL
Tee Guidotti, MD, MPH, DABT
Occupational + Environmental Health & Medicine
Lewes, DE
Julius Halas
Director
Florida Division of State Fire Marshal
Tallahassee, FL
JoAnne Rice
Assistant Director
Florida Division of State Fire Marshal
Tallahassee, FL