Objective Firefighters are exposed occupationally to a complex range of potential health threats including toxic chemicals, shift work, excessive heat, physical and emotional strain. The aim of this study is to examine the resulting pattern of mortality among Danish firefighters.

Method Past and present male Danish firefighters were identified through systematic collection of personnel and membership records from employers and trade unions from the entire country (n=11,529). Using the unique Danish personal identification number, information on additional employment, vital status and cause of death was linked to each member of the cohort from the Supplementary Pension Fund Register, the Danish Civil Registration System and the Danish Register of Causes of Death. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for specific causes of death using rates for two selected reference groups, a sample of the working population and military employees respectively.

Results Compared to both the sample of the working population and the military, overall mortality was significantly reduced among the firefighters (SMR 0.74, 95% CI 0.69–0.78 and SMR 0.87, 95% CI 0.82–0.93). In addition, the SMRs for mental disorders, endocrine disorders, suicides, accidents and other external causes were significantly reduced against both reference groups.

Conclusion Despite possible exposure to numerous occupational hazards, male Danish firefighters have a significantly lower mortality compared to both a sample of the Danish working population and the military.