FIREFIGHTERS have called for more protection amid fears that they may be more likely to die from cancer than the rest of the population.

Research shared with the BBC’s Inside Out programme implied that those working in the profession may be more at risk because of exposure to harmful toxins on their clothes and equipment which contain carcinogens.

Professor Anna Stec, a fire chemistry and toxicity expert at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “In my opinion, there is a direct link between a firefighter’s occupation and cancer.”

She added that in her view “firefighters are twice as likely to die” in such a way compared to the general population.