Sen. Charles Schumer is urging the House of Representatives to pass legislation creating a national firefighter cancer registry.
The registry, which is co-authored by Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27), was recently passed by the senate.
“This is a huge win for firefighters across the United States, now that we are so close to getting this bill on President Trump’s desk,” said Collins. “When this bill becomes law, we will have a succinct and voluntary registry of cancer incidence in firefighters so we know what causes cancer in these individuals and how we can better prevent it. These brave men and women put their lives in danger to keep their communities and neighbors safe, and we have a commitment to do everything we can to keep them safe and healthy in return.”
The registry will be managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, would help medical professionals more effectively track and treat firefighters with cancer. The registry bill has been approved by the Senate.
Schumer says research has found a strong connection between firefighting and an increased risk for several major cancers including testicular, stomach, multiple myeloma and brain cancers. He said firefighters are exposed to a range of harmful toxins such as asbestos and flame retardants that are linked to cancer.
The registry would compile epidemiological information related to cancer incidence among firefighters and make it available to health researchers.
Collins expects the bill to be passed in the coming weeks. Once passed, President Trump will need to sign it.
(Associated Press contributed to this story)
