Firefighters already carry a significant burden of occupational carcinogen exposure throughout their careers.
Avoiding Unnecessary Chemical Load
As awareness of carcinogen exposure continues to grow, many firefighters are taking a more proactive approach to reduce unnecessary chemical exposure wherever possible, including in everyday products such as sunscreen. This resource is intended to help firefighters better understand the range of sunscreen options available and make informed choices that align with their personal preferences, skin protection needs, and overall health priorities.
Sunscreens Categories: Mineral (Physical) and Chemical (Synthetic)
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens can effectively protect against UV radiation. However, many firefighters choose mineral sunscreens, opting for zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, avoiding many of the chemical UV filters found in traditional sunscreen formulations.
If you’re trying to keep it clean and non-carcinogenic, here’s the reality:
- The safest bet: mineral (physical) sunscreen
The riskier ingredients: certain chemical UV filters
"Waterproof” is not a permitted FDA label claim. Look for “Water Resistant” — that’s the real top tier.
Ingredients to Avoid
These aren’t all proven carcinogens, but they’re the ones most people in occupational health try to limit:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Homosalate
- Avobenzone (less concerning but still chemical-based)
- Fragrance/parfum (irritation and unknown mixtures)
- Heavy dyes
Why avoid these ingredients?
Some can be absorbed into the bloodstream
Some are linked to hormone disruption concerns
Adds to your total chemical load on top of fireground exposure
“Clean” Ingredients
Look for these:
- Zinc Oxide (best overall)
- Titanium Dioxide
- “Non-nano zinc” (less skin penetration concern)
“Clean” ingredients create a physical barrier instead of a chemical reaction on your skin
Firefighter-Friendly Sunscreen Options
- Mineral-based
- Sweat and water-resistant
- Fragrance-free
- Durable during long outdoor operations
- Easy to reapply
- Non-greasy around gear and PPE contact areas
Sunscreen Application – High Priority Areas for Firefighters:
- Face
- Ears
- Neck/jawline
- Wrists
- Scalp (if exposed)
These areas often experience the highest combination of UV exposure, sweat, heat, and post-fire contamination.
Practical Buying Tips: When choosing a sunscreen for fireground, training, or outdoor use, look for products that check most of these boxes:
- Zinc oxide-based
- SPF 30+
- UVA/UVB
- 80-minute water resistance
- Fragrance-free
- Minimal ingredient list
- If unsure, choose mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreen whenever possible
The Firefighter’s Reality
- You’re already getting carcinogen exposure from the job
- Don’t add unnecessary chemical load if you don’t have to
- Zinc-based sunscreen = lowest concern and highest durability
Sun Exposure is Exposure
If it hits your skin, log it in your Exposure Tracker. Use the notes field to indicate time spent outdoors, if sunscreen was applied and where, and body areas exposed.
For wildland operations or extended outdoor incidents, noting the combined exposure — UV radiation on top of smoke and chemical contamination — provides the most accurate picture of what your skin encountered on that call.
References
Moore KJ, Caban-Martinez AJ, Kirsner RS, Schaefer-Solle N, Lee DJ, Koru-Sengul T, Kobetz EN. Firefighter Skin Cancer and Sun Protection Practices: Evidence From the Florida Firefighter Cancer Initiative. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 Feb 1;154(2):219-221. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.4254. PMID: 29238830; PMCID: PMC5839279.