This weekend will see fire stations across Scotland hosting coffee mornings as part of the Macmillan Cancer Care World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union are taking the opportunity to highlight the impact of fire contaminants on their members.

Research published last year shows that the mortality rate for firefighters is 1.6 times higher than the general population, rates of prostate cancer are 3.8 times higher, leukaemia – 3.17 times higher and Oesophageal cancer 2.42 times higher.

In instances where cancer with an unknown origin has spread, the rate was 6.37 times higher than the general population.

The research published by Professor Anna Stec, Professor in Fire Chemistry and Toxicity at University of Central Lancashire has been followed by a call for significantly increased investment in decontamination processes and equipment.

Events will take place over this weekend in Falkirk, Greenock, Inverness, Galashiels, Lochgelly and Govan.

Seona Hart Scottish Treasurer of the Fire Brigades Union said,

“These coffee mornings will help raise awareness of our campaign around decontamination and firefighter cancers and at the same time raise money for a great charity. We know that the levels of cancers amongst firefighters is much higher than that of the general public. The FBU is working hard to improve policy and practice in relation to decontamination to ensure our members are protected. It’s fantastic to see FBU members across Scotland taking forward this excellent initiative.”