Cardiorespiratory Symptoms and Disease Among Firefighters

Firefighters’ exposure has been linked with cancer development. However, the direct link between cardiorespiratory illness development and occupational exposure is particularly challenging in these workers. The aim of this study is to gather recent information concerning the incidence, prevalence and risk of cardiorespiratory symptoms and disease among firefighters. Literature search was conducted in three databases (2017–2021); after applying the defined inclusion criteria, 27 studies were selected. Wildland, structural, military, industrial, rescue team and/or paramedic firefighters and fire service instructors were included. The incidence ratios in career firefighters were different of those in volunteer firefighters. Cardiorespiratory symptoms were more prevalent among exposed firefighters, whereas a higher incidence ratio for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and myocardial infarction was highlighted in cohorts. Firefighting comprises a severe health burden. There is a need to increase awareness of cardiorespiratory disease development and set more frequent occupational surveillance actions, which should also be extended to volunteer firefighters.