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Ohio Gov. signs firefighter cancer bill

Although there are limitations to the law, it offers coverage to those who are diagnosed with cancer due to their profession

By FireRescue1 Staff

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor John Kasich signed a bill that will provide firefighters diagnosed with cancer worker’s compensation benefits and medical coverage Wednesday.

Although there are limitations to the law, it offers coverage to those who are diagnosed with cancer due to their profession.

Coverage for firefighters may be denied for those whose cancer is linked to smoking or tobacco use. Firefighters over 70 do not quality, nor do any firefighters who have been away from hazardous duty for more than 20 years, reported WKYC.

In order to qualify for coverage, firefighters must have been on hazardous duty for at least six years and exposed to known cancer-causing toxins.