PP Language Lessons
EasyHealthSeptember 9, 2025

Firefighters and Smoke: Health Research and What It Means

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Key Vocabulary

smoke /smoʊk/

Air made of tiny particles from burning things.
Example: The smoke made my eyes sting.

PM2.5 /ˌpiː ˌɛm ˌtuː ˈpɔɪnt ˈfaɪv/

Very small particles in the air that go deep into the lungs.
Example: PM2.5 can travel into the bloodstream.

cancer /ˈkænsər/

A serious illness in which cells grow in an uncontrolled way.
Example: Doctors study how work can change cancer risk.

📖 Article

Many wildland firefighters work near big fires and breathe heavy smoke. They inhale tiny particles and chemicals from burning trees and buildings. These particles are called PM2.5 and can reach deep into the lungs.

Fire work may raise the chance of getting cancer. The IARC says 'Occupational exposure as a firefighter is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).' Scientists also found that some blood markers change after wildland-urban fires, which might link smoke to health effects. The CDC created a National Firefighter Registry for Cancer to study these risks and help protect crews.

92 words

❓ Quiz

Q1. What particles can reach deep into the lungs?
Q2. Who says firefighting is 'carcinogenic to humans'?
Q3. What did the CDC create to study cancer in firefighters?

💬 Discussion

1.

Do you worry about outdoor air when you see smoke? How does it change your plans?

2.

Have you ever worked or helped outside in bad air? What happened?

3.

What do you think firefighters need most to stay healthy after fires?