Due to genetic mutations caused by chemicals to which firefighters are exposed, they are more likely to develop a glioma, the most common type of brain tumor.
- Glioma is a tumor arising in glial cells, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
- Firefighters run a higher risk of suffering from it, as they are more likely to present genetic mutations caused by exposure to chemicals.
- The chemical compounds pointed out are the haloalcanes, used in flame delayers, fire extinguishers or refrigerants.
Noise, toxic smoke, mold, temperatures and extreme pressures … Daily, firefighters are exposed to a multitude of risk factors. In a recent study, published in the journal Cancerscientists from the University of Yale have identified gliomas with mutational signatures associated with exposure to chemical compounds in these people who are part of a body organized to fight fire and claims. As a reminder, glioma is a tumor associated with significant morbidity and mortality, which arises in glial cells. The latter have a role of support and protection of neurons.
Genetic changes associated with haloalcanes are more frequent in firefighters
In order to achieve this conclusion, the researchers recruited 35 people, including 17 patients suffering from gliomas who exercised the profession of firefighters before and 18 adults with gliomas without professional history of fire. “As firefighters are exposed to these chemical agents, we have examined the mutational signatures”, said Elizabeth B. Claus, who led the work. In detail, using sequencing data from the whole exome from samples of germ tumors and gliomas, the team compared genetic mutations caused by exposure to certain chemical compounds, including haloalcanes, substances used in flame delayers, extinguishers or refrigerants, between the two groups.
Compared to volunteers who have never fought fires, firefighters were more likely to present the mutational signature associated with haloalcanes, in particular if they had held this position for many years. Among the non-pompiers, people with the same genetic changes due to exposure to haloalcanes were those working in car paint and maintenance of machines.
Brain cancer: “Identify the professional risks that could be avoided”
“Our study provides preliminary data, but it will have to be confirmed by a larger set of data and a wider range of professions. It is important to identify exposure to such transfer agents in order to clarify the intervention strategies in public health and identify the professional risks that could be avoided”, Concluded Elizabeth B. Claus.
