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The Ontario government is investing $30 million over the next three years to help 374 municipal fire departments improve cancer prevention efforts. This funding, provided through the Fire Protection Grant, will be used to purchase new equipment and upgrade infrastructure aimed at reducing the long-term effects of exposure to hazardous fire-related chemicals.
Firefighters face higher health risks due to their exposure to dangerous chemicals during their work. In Canada, around 50 to 60 firefighters die from cancer each year, with half of these deaths occurring in Ontario.
Ontario is home to approximately 33,000 municipal firefighters, including more than 12,500 full-time, nearly 20,000 volunteer, and almost 400 part-time firefighters. This new funding will help protect these brave individuals by improving their working conditions and reducing health risks related to their vital role.
(Written by: Loreena Dickson)