MSA Advocates for Firefighter Cancer Awareness and Prevention

PITTSBURGH, April 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of National Cancer Control Month, global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) today announced that the company has established a three-year sustaining partnership with non-profit Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) to continue to raise awareness of the cancer risks faced by firefighters. 

Since 2005, FCSN has provided assistance and one-on-one mentoring to thousands of cancer-stricken firefighters and their families.  They also deliver extensive training about firefighter cancer awareness and prevention nationwide.  To aid in these support, awareness and prevention efforts, MSA will donate $50,000 over the life of the partnership.

"MSA's mission is to see to it that men and women live and work in safety and health, and that speaks to the heart of exactly why we made the decision to partner with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network," said William M. Lambert, Chairman, President and CEO of MSA.  "We want to do what we can to help firefighters and their families.  And while there is more awareness now of their heightened cancer risk, many people still do not completely comprehend how widespread the effects really are.  So if our partnership prompts one person to take the proper proactive steps for prevention, we will consider it a success."

Mr. Lambert explained that firefighters, the fire service at large and researchers are still expanding their awareness of the magnitude of the challenge and ways to address it.  These efforts include changes in education, training, operations, medical screenings, and personal accountability. 

"Helping to keep firefighters safe is what we do at MSA," continued Mr. Lambert.  "In response to this increased awareness, MSA is dedicated to supporting and promoting firefighter cancer prevention directives and initiatives, and our hope is that our partnership with FCSN will help to support continued firefighter education and awareness."

In addition to the official partnership, MSA today launched a special campaign at the annual Fire Department Instructor's Conference in Indianapolis, Ind., to raise awareness of the steps firefighters can take to reduce their risk. 

Called #KeepYourMaskOn, the campaign encourages firefighters to take responsibility and help protect their health by wearing their mask from initial attack through overhaul – a preventative measure that has been identified to reduce firefighters' exposure to carcinogens.  While this action alone does not eliminate all risk, it is a significant safety measure that should be adhered to.  The company also suggests that firefighters review additional cancer prevention practices as prescribed by the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

About MSA
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA's core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, fire and rescue helmets, and fall protection devices. With 2016 revenues of $1.15 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,300 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA's web site at www.MSAsafety.com.

About Firefighter Cancer Support Network
FCSN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2005 by Los Angeles County Firefighter/Paramedic Mike Dubron, a survivor of stage IV colon cancer. Today, FCSN's objective is to provide timely assistance to all fire and EMS personnel and their family members who have been diagnosed with cancer. FCSN offers unique expertise through its national network of peer-support mentors. FCSN also delivers firefighter cancer awareness, prevention, and early-detection training nationwide. FCSN's key supporters and partners include the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Firefighter Close Calls (FFCC), and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), among many other respected fire-service organizations. FCSN is a founding member of the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance. Now in its 12^th year, FCSN has active operations in 39 states. FCSN relies on charitable donations from individuals, families, charitable organizations, and corporate sponsors to fund its unique firefighter cancer support, awareness, and prevention programs. FCSN does not endorse any product or service. For more information, visit firefightercancersupport.org.

SOURCE MSA

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