For Immediate Release:
December 16, 2024
GOVERNOR HOCHUL ADDS THYROID CANCER TO ROSTER OF PRESUMED HEALTH CONDITIONS STEMMING FROM DUTY RELATED EXPOSURE AS FIRE FIGHTERS
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into Law legislation unanimously approved by the Senate and Assembly adding thyroid cancer as among the recognized presumed health conditions associated with the performance of their duties as a fire fighter.
The measure (Chapter 588 of the Laws of 2024) was sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes (Senate Bill No. 9205) and Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (Assembly Bill No. 9933).
NYSPFFA President Sam Fresina said: “Measures that protect the health and lives of those reporting to fire houses for their shifts and honors their commitment to those whose lives were tragically lost while on the job must be recognized and protected. We are grateful to the Governor for her support of this important protection for fire fighters and their families.”
On a daily basis, fire fighters are exposed to dangerous toxins and repeated incidents of trauma. The NYSPFFA and its the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) have long advocated for early screening, diagnosis and treatment of health conditions presumed to have been caused as a result to exposures to chemicals and carcinogens. In fact, recent screenings have revealed an extraordinarily high incidence of thyroid cancer among fire fighters, compared to the general population, stemming from chemicals in their protective equipment and gases that are biproducts of incineration and combustion.
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The New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association represents more than 18,000 fire fighters working full-time as members of municipal fire departments across the state. Its membership serves in 110 union locals, in 41 counties and New York City.