A law that went into effect this month in New Hampshire makes all types of cancer among firefighters a presumptive occupational disease.
The new statute is aimed at making it easier for firefighters with cancer to receive workers' compensation.
Research shows firefighters are at a higher risk of contracting the disease than the general population, and they deserve the presumption that it was caused by their work, Brian Ryll, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire said in an interview.
Gov. Chris Sununu signed Senate Bill 71 on Aug. 4.
“While we are excited about the passage of Senate Bill 71, there is little time to celebrate our success,” Ryll said. “Firefighters are contracting cancer at an alarming rate, and we must do more for prevention and detection.”