Research shows link between firefighting and Parkinson’s

September 19, 2023

Fighting fire assumes a certain number of health hazards, and recent research indicates that Parkinson’s disease should be added to the list of potential health risks associated with firefighting.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease “is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.” The Cleveland Clinic  describes it as a “condition where a part of your brain deteriorates, causing more severe symptoms over time.” Parkinson’s disease affects nearly a million Americans, and it’s the second most common degenerative neurological disease behind Alzheimer’s disease.

“Assessment of Parkinson’s Disease symptoms and toxin exposures in firefighters: a cross-sectional survey” was published in February 2021 and details the correlation between firefighting and Parkinson’s disease.

The 2021 survey included 200 participants who entered in their number of years as a firefighter, number of working days per week, and number of fires worked. This data showed a large number of entries that included hyposmia, micrographia, and decreased walking pace. The survey ultimately concluded that firefighters have an increased risk for Parkinson’s Disease symptoms because of the toxin exposures that are frequently found in fires.

Due to the near-constant high level of exposure, firefighters experience a higher frequency of Parkinson’s than the general population.

Retired North Charleston Deputy Chief Stephanie Julazadeh has Parkinson’s disease. She joined North Charleston in 2010 and her fire service career spans across two decades.

“My first sign of Parkinson’s disease was a change in my handwriting,” Stephanie said. “I was losing control of the fine motor skills to write neatly with my left hand. I would also randomly have tremors in my left hand and arm. I told my primary doctor during my annual physical, and she referred me to a neurologist, expecting it to be carpal tunnel or a pinched nerve.”

When the neurologist asked her to make movements with her hands, arms, legs, and feet, he compared the movement from her left side to her right. Stephanie’s left side was slower than her right, and the neurologist diagnosed her with early-onset Parkinson’s.

“I was tested for the genetic marker that identified you as more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease,” Stephanie continued. “I don’t have the marker, which makes me think my environment caused my disease.”

Stephanie’s proactive approach to her healthcare is a lesson on paying attention to your body and its cues. Like Stephanie, you can go through free, confidential genetic testing if you have concerns about Parkinson’s. The Parkinson’s Foundation lists the 10 early signs of Parkinson’s as tremor, small handwriting, loss of smell, trouble sleeping, trouble moving or walking, constipation, a soft or low voice, masked face, dizziness or fainting, and stooping or hunching over.

On the legislative level, several state legislatures have taken interest in protecting firefighters diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Indiana became the first state to include Parkinson’s in its presumptive law when Code IC 5-10-15-5.5 was enacted in May 2009. Virginia established presumption for Parkinson’s in 2017.

Most recently, New York enacted a Presumptive Parkinson’s Disease Bill in July 2021 that was created in response to a study that showed firefighters’ susceptibility to the disease. Under the legislation, any New York firefighter who suffers any medical condition related to Parkinson's that wasn't present before joining the service will be presumed to be related on-the-job exposure.

New Jersey and Massachusetts both failed to pass presumptive Parkinson’s laws in 2022 and 2019, respectively. Bill S2443 in New Jersey would have established presumption for accidental disability retirement in PFRS that firefighter with Parkinson's Disease has disease as result of employment; Bill S.1542 in Massachusetts was an Act relative to Parkinson's disease disability and death in firefighters.

For departments looking for further guidance, NFPA 1582 outlines requirements for a comprehensive occupational medical program to include testing for possible Parkinson’s.

Firefighters from across the world who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s are sharing their stories to raise awareness. Because of their willingness to talk about their lives post-diagnosis, they share a message of hope and optimism.

While there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, treatments are available. The disease progresses at different rates in different people, but the earlier you can take action, the better. Physicians may recommend lifestyle changes, physical and speech therapy, and medications as ways to manage symptoms. Read more about treatment options.