Firefighters are at much higher risk of developing cancer than the general public and are more likely to develop the disease earlier in life.
The long-term effects of chemicals present when fires burn can cause cancer as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and are known as chronic toxicity.
The shocking statistics were explained to members of Northumberland County Council's Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee by bosses at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, who also explained the steps the fire service is now taking to protect crew members.
