Can Saunas Reduce Cancer Risk for Firefighters? Exploring New Wellness Efforts
Guest Contributor
Could spending time in a sauna after battling a blaze help firefighters reduce their risk of cancer? That’s the question being explored in Minneapolis, where five local fire stations have recently installed saunas. The idea is that sweating after exposure to smoke might help eliminate cancer-causing toxins from the body. It’s a concept that’s gaining attention among firefighters, researchers, and health advocates alike.
Firefighters face significantly higher risks of developing cancer due to repeated exposure to hazardous smoke and chemicals. In response, departments across the country are exploring innovative ways to protect their crews. In Minneapolis, saunas are the latest addition to that effort. According to the Minneapolis Fire Foundation, the goal is to help firefighters "sweat out" toxins absorbed during fire calls. This initiative is not just about physical recovery—it’s about potentially reducing long-term health risks.
Steve Shapira, the founder of the Minneapolis Fire Foundation and a cancer survivor himself, has been instrumental in bringing these saunas to the stations. His personal experience with cancer has fueled his mission to protect those who run toward danger when others run away. “Hopefully prevent someone from walking down that same road that I've had to go down through,” Shapira said. His foundation helped raise the funds needed to install the first five saunas, and there are plans to expand the program to the remaining 14 stations in the city.
The idea of using saunas for detoxification is not new. Many cultures have used heat therapy for centuries, and modern science has explored its benefits for cardiovascular health, stress relief, and muscle recovery. However, whether saunas can specifically reduce cancer risk by eliminating carcinogens remains uncertain. Dr. Zeke McKinney, a physician at HealthPartners, has been studying this question by collecting data from Saint Paul firefighters who started using saunas several years ago. While his research is ongoing, he describes the current findings as “suggestive at best.”
“In general, are there health benefits of saunas? Yes,” McKinney explained. “Are those health benefits to detoxify you from some type of carcinogen, such that it would decrease your cancer risk? It's unclear.” He plans to publish his findings later this year, and he emphasizes the need for more research to draw definitive conclusions. Still, the early data offers a glimmer of hope that this simple practice might have a meaningful impact.
The idea that saunas might help remove toxins stems from anecdotal reports by firefighters. Many have observed that spending time in a sauna after responding to a fire helps eliminate the smoky smell from their skin. Some have speculated that if the odor can be sweated out, perhaps harmful substances can be as well. While this theory has yet to be proven, it continues to inspire departments to explore the potential benefits of post-fire sauna use.
Shapira himself is a believer in the broader advantages of regular sauna sessions. “I purchased my own and I’ve used it ever since, multiple times a week,” he said. “I think I rest better. I feel better. It has cardiovascular benefits. For me, there's also some mental health benefits where I can go in there and kind of unplug from life.” His personal testimony reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental and physical recovery tools for first responders.
Whether or not saunas can prevent cancer in firefighters, there’s little doubt they offer other health benefits. Improved sleep, stress reduction, and cardiovascular support are all well-documented effects of regular sauna use. For firefighters, who endure physically and emotionally demanding work, these benefits can make a significant difference in overall well-being. The addition of saunas to fire stations is a proactive step toward supporting the health of those who serve their communities under the most challenging conditions.
The Minneapolis Fire Foundation continues to seek donations to expand the sauna program to all fire stations in the city. Their efforts reflect a larger trend in public safety: investing in wellness initiatives that go beyond traditional fitness programs. As research continues and more data becomes available, the role of saunas in firefighter health may become clearer. For now, they represent a hopeful and health-conscious addition to the firehouse environment.
