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Local foundation outlines cancer research, urges stronger decontamination and PPE review
Summary
The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation presented long‑running studies including UCSF/UC Berkeley biomonitoring and identified bioaccumulation of flame‑retardant chemicals; commissioners and staff discussed decontamination policy, extractor equipment and turnout moisture barrier chemistries.
The San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation presented Dec. 12 on 12 years of work documenting elevated cancer risks among firefighters and on steps to reduce exposures.
Tony Stefani, the foundation’s president and a retired captain, recounted early surveys and voluntary screenings that identified cases of genitourinary cancer and described collaborations with UCSF and UC Berkeley. "We have identified at this point right now 12 firefighters both active and retired combined with various forms of cancer of the genitourinary system," Stefani said, summarizing screening and follow‑up work. The foundation described biomonitoring that found elevated levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and related markers after fires.
Stefani and researchers discussed a laboratory study that identified N‑acetylcysteine (NAC) as a candidate antioxidant that may neutralize some cellular effects of these toxicants; they emphasized further study is needed to determine dosing and administration. The foundation also cited a successful $600,000 grant to UC Berkeley for a biomonitoring study (with additional local contributions) and noted participation in the NIOSH national firefighter cohort study.
Commissioners and SFFD staff discussed decontamination practices: the department has an overhaul policy (effective 2016) and reported that a universal decon policy is close to completion. Tony Boone (industrial hygienist) and Assistant Deputy Chief Tony Rivera described station extractors (washers) in place, testing of mobile catalytic filtration devices on rigs that reduced particulate matter in tests, and a rough retrofit estimate of about $774,000 to add filtration across the current fleet. Commissioners suggested inviting departments with large decon programs (Boston cited) to present best practices.
The commission accepted the foundation’s presentation and requested further written materials and coordination on grant opportunities and decontamination policies.
