Quarter of Grenfell firefighters exposed to toxic smoke left with long-term health issues - study

The Grenfell Tower disaster killed 72 people in June 2017 Credit: PA

More than a quarter of firefighters exposed to toxic smoke during the Grenfell Tower fire have been left with long-term health disorders, according to a new study.

Research from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) found that of 524 firefighters who tackled the blaze in 2017, 136 reported life-changing conditions over the first three years.

These included 11 cases of cancer, 64 respiratory diseases, 22 neurological disorders and 66 digestive illnesses.

While there is no proven link between these conditions and Grenfell, the researchers say there is a "strong correlation" between smoke exposure and longer-term adverse health outcomes.

Among those surveyed was Jamie McDonnell, 54, who has developed incurable cancer since risking his life fighting the fire.

Jamie McDonnell, 54, has now medically retired after developing terminal cancer Credit: Good Morning Britain

Speaking of the experience, he told Good Morning Britain: "We just had industrial dust masks.

"We went up to level 13, it was still smouldering, we still had pockets of fire. But we should have had full PPE that night. Hindsight's a great thing."

The report co-author, Professor Anna Stec, who specialises in Fire Chemistry and Toxicity, said the majority of the 136 firefighters who reported health disorders had not worn respiratory protection at all times while tackling the fire.

Professor Stec concluded that this was due to the urgency of the disaster and resulted in "debilitating" health effects.

The report also offered the following 'learning outcomes' to protect future generations of firefighters.

  • Emergency services need better preparation for dealing with predictable and unforeseen incidents such as the Grenfell Tower fire.

  • Detailed logging of activities and conditions endured during major incidents, together with immediate health symptoms and longer-term health outcomes, need to be routinely recorded.

  • Detailed health monitoring of all exposed emergency service personnel should be undertaken over an extended postexposure period (a minimum of 10 years).

Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union Credit: PA

The research was commissioned by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) - the General Secretary Matt Wrack said firefighters deserve more.

He told Good Morning Britain: "The UK is significantly behind other parts of the world in terms of recognising health risks to firefighters over the long term from contaminants, and secondly, in monitoring the health of firefighters."

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “We welcome insights that can lead to better protection for firefighters. We supported the involvement of members of London Fire Brigade in this research, and we will continue to work closely on this with the FBU.

“We will now study the report in detail and consider what contribution it might make to the existing body of work on firefighting and health impacts, as well as any actions we might take as a result.”

A Home Office spokesperson said the government is "committed to supporting all of those impacted" by Grenfell.

They added: “The health and safety of firefighters is of paramount importance and emerging research indicating that they may be exposed to contaminants is concerning, and fire and rescue authorities, as employers, must take seriously their responsibility for the health and wellbeing of firefighters.”

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