Alex Forrest:
It is an absolute honour for me to be attending the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) meetings this week. I was granted status to attend this week’s monograph as we look at benzene exposure and its effect upon humans including occupational exposures. Benzene is prevalent in almost every fire we attend and is linked to cause many firefighter occupational cancers.

I have been granted status to attend this meeting because of the work that has been done in Manitoba on occupational cancer and firefighting. All Manitoba firefighters should be proud as I am here representing you- I can not emphasize enough how important it is to have a firefighter at these meetings.

Special thanks to the Manitoba Professional Firefighters’ Association for providing financial support. Special thanks goes out to my UFFW executive in providing support for me to attend.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is an important part of the World Health Organization.

IARC coordinates and conducts both epidemiological and laboratory research into the causes of human cancer.

IARC is the leading institution guiding governments around the world on cancer policies, legislation and prevention measures.