Grenfell Tower firefighters suffer health issues from toxic smoke exposure

Over a quarter of firefighters who responded to the Grenfell Tower fire have reported lasting health issues, according to research published in the Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine.

The University of Central Lancashire conducted the study in collaboration with the Fire Brigades Union, analysing data from 524 of the 628 firefighters who attended the incident.

It revealed that 26% of firefighters reported a total of 301 health problems, including digestive, respiratory, and neurological diseases, as well as 11 cancer diagnoses.

Toxic smoke exposure exceeds safe levels

The study found that many firefighters experienced immediate symptoms such as choking, difficulty breathing, and vomiting due to exposure to toxic smoke.

Firefighters were subjected to levels of gases and particulate matter far beyond the Health and Safety Executive’s limits.

A majority of the affected firefighters reported not wearing respiratory protection, which was attributed to the severity of the incident.

Those exposed to smoke reported significantly higher rates of diseases within three years compared to those who were not.

Comparisons drawn to 9/11 health outcomes

The health issues reported by Grenfell firefighters mirror those experienced by first responders at the World Trade Centre collapse.

Following 9/11, a lifelong health monitoring program was established, leading to early diagnoses and treatment of cancers and other diseases.

In contrast, no comparable program exists for Grenfell responders, leaving many firefighters and residents without systematic health assessments or early intervention options.

Call for regular health monitoring of UK firefighters

Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, emphasised the need for enhanced health testing, stating: “This research shows stark evidence of the health impact on firefighters who attended Grenfell.”

Professor Anna Stec, who led the study, echoed the call for preventive measures: “Firefighting is classified as a carcinogenic occupation.

“Regular health monitoring is essential to protect firefighters’ health.”

Grenfell Tower firefighters suffer health issues from toxic smoke exposure: Summary

Research from the University of Central Lancashire, in partnership with the Fire Brigades Union, revealed that 26% of Grenfell Tower firefighters now face long-term health disorders, including respiratory, digestive, and neurological diseases.

Published in the Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, the study found firefighters were exposed to toxic smoke levels far beyond safe limits, with many not wearing respiratory protection.

Health outcomes resemble those of 9/11 responders, who benefited from regular health monitoring, yet no such program exists for Grenfell firefighters or affected residents.

Experts and union representatives are urging the UK to implement systematic health monitoring to identify and treat diseases early.