LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today passed a plan proposed by State Representative Jennifer Haase (D-Richmond) that aims to help firefighters suffering from work-related cancer by requiring seven additional types of cancer be covered under the Worker's Compensation Act. The plan passed the House with strong bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate.
"Every day firefighters encounter dangerous situations and are exposed to toxic chemicals in order to stop fires and save lives," Haase said. "We must do everything we can to ensure the proper treatment is accessible."
Studies show firefighters are at risk for many cancers due to exposure to toxic chemicals, fumes and smoke. Protective equipment, such as masks and respirators, do not completely eliminate risks for firefighters when they come in contact with hazardous substances such as asbestos, benzene or formaldehyde.
Under Haase's plan, full-time professional firefighters who have been employed for at least five years and suffer from certain types of cancer will be covered for treatment under Michigan's Worker's Disability Compensation Act. In addition to heart and lung cancer, which are already covered under the act, respiratory tract, bladder, skin, brain, kidney, blood and lymphatic cancer will be covered. The cancers will not be covered if there is evidence of a pre-existing condition or if the firefighter has been a consistent cigarette smoker or user of tobacco products within 10 years of the date of the cause, aggravation or progression of the cancer.
The cancer presumption will only take effect if the firefighter has applied twice and is denied any pension benefits to which he, she, or their dependent, may be entitled to.
Presumption of cancer in firefighters is widely accepted throughout the country. Currently,
24 states have laws in effect that presume if a firefighter develops cancer, it is occupationally induced.
"Firefighters risk exposure to unknown carcinogens when they rush in to save lives," Haase said. "Now, after they have given their all for us, I believe the least we can do is to make sure that firefighters and their families are taken care of."