Can you imagine the dangers that firefighters have to face on a regular basis on the job? Well, if you're new to this scene, it's best you find out early on about the perils you'll be encountering. Your life will not just be put at risk on the spot, but you'll be confronted with health risks day in and day out.
Just picture going through all that rubble and inhaling smoke from the ongoing fire, not to mention the possibility of exposure to other toxins. What's even worse is the kind of stress this kind of work puts you through, combined with lack of sleep, constant physical and emotional strains, and even mental pressure.
So throw all these into the mix and you've got the perfect recipe for these 3 major health risks firefighters need to face:
Cancer
According to various studies, firefighters are in grave danger of developing cancers of the brain, kidney, bladder, and colon. When a firefighter like you is in the midst of combating fire, it's very likely for you to brush against potential cancer-causing substances. What's more, cancer cells can be triggered even more so if you smoke and lead an unhealthy lifestyle.Heart Disease
Here and there, you've probably heard of a heart attack story involving a firefighter. It's really no surprise to many because of the health risks involved. Now envision yourself doing heavy work while being exposed to carbon monoxide, undergoing great stress each and every day, and making the heart work double time just to sustain the life in your body. Surely such work conditions are highly capable of giving you a heart disease.Now some firefighters are even more prone to it for a number of reasons---- they don't exercise as much, they smoke tremendously, they may be overweight. Well, if you can't change your career, then at least try to compensate by living healthily.
Chronic Respiratory Disorder
For some people, even the slightest inhalation of smoke can be greatly bothersome and can induce feelings of sickness. Firefighters may have already gotten accustomed to the smell and heat, but that doesn't excuse them from the risk.With this job, you ought to know that you also have a big chance of developing chronic respiratory disorder. Hence, it's essential that you not smoke to aggravate your predisposal to it. To top it all off, eating a lot of junk and lacking exercise and sleep will not help you one bit too.
The lesson here is that as a firefighter, it's essential that you're fully aware of these major health risks and that you intend to recompense by perking up your healthy habits. What's more, you should most definitely go for regular medical check-ups to ensure that you're in tiptop shape.