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- Firefighters as a Key Alliance Group to Advocate for Tobacco Control Policies in Korea
- Heewon Kang, Susan Park, Sung-il Cho
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2026;59(1):105-108. Published online December 14, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.25.528
- 802 View
- 129 Download
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Abstract
Summary
PDF - Tobacco control is a public health priority. However, Korea has recently experienced a reversal in its long-term decline in smoking prevalence. To address this trend, it is essential to broaden advocacy networks by engaging new stakeholders. We propose that firefighters represent a strategic yet under-represented partner in tobacco control because their professional interests closely align with tobacco-related policy goals. First, cigarette butts have consistently been the leading cause of fire incidents, and tobacco use directly undermines firefighters’ core mission to protect life and public safety. Moreover, firefighters face elevated health risks due to occupational exposure to harmful substances, and tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke can further compound these risks. Additionally, a portion of tobacco tax revenue is allocated to fire service funding, creating a direct fiscal linkage between tobacco control and firefighting resources. A logical next step is to promote collaboration through intergovernmental partnerships between public health authorities and national fire services. This collaboration includes targeted health promotion initiatives that assess tobacco use among firefighters and provide cessation support. Broader strategies, such as mass media campaigns and coordinated advocacy for increases in tobacco taxes, should also be jointly implemented. Such an alliance could improve firefighters’ well-being, reduce fire-related risks, and strengthen the overall tobacco control response.
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SummaryKorean summary
담배 사용이 화재 위험과 소방관의 건강에 미치는 영향을 바탕로, 소방관을 담배규제 정책 옹호를 위한 핵심 협력 집단으로 제안한다. 담배꽁초로 인한 화재, 소방관의 직업적 건강 위험, 그리고 담뱃세의 소방 재정 기여라는 구조적 연계를 통해 공중보건과 소방 안전 간의 공동 이익을 실현할 수 있다. 공중보건과 소방 조직 간의 협력은 담배 사용 감소와 화재 예방을 동시에 달성할 수 있는 전략적 기회가 될 수 있을 것이다.Key Message
This perspective argues that firefighters represent a strategic yet underutilized alliance group for advancing tobacco control in Korea. Tobacco use directly contributes to fire incidents, exacerbates firefighters’ occupational health risks, and is fiscally linked to fire services through earmarked tobacco taxes. Strengthening collaboration between public health authorities and fire services could reduce smoking prevalence, improve firefighter well-being, and enhance fire safety, creating mutually reinforcing public health and safety gains.
Original Article
- Health Conditions Sensitive to Retirement and Job Loss Among Korean Middle-aged and Older Adults
- Susan Park, Sung-Il Cho, Soong-Nang Jang
- J Prev Med Public Health. 2012;45(3):188-195. Published online May 31, 2012
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2012.45.3.188
- 11,780 View
- 84 Download
- 14 Crossref
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Abstract
PDF
Objectives This study was conducted to examine the association between health condition and leaving the labor market among middle-aged and older adults in South Korea.
Methods Data was obtained from individuals aged 45 years and older participating in the 2006 and 2008 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing. We used various health measures including chronic diseases, comorbidities, traffic accident injuries, disabilit of instrumental activities of daily living, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health. The odds ratios of job loss, and retirement, versus employment were calculated using multinomial logistic regression by each health measure.
Results In our cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis, health problems related to physical disabilities had the greatest effect on leaving the worksite. A shift in health condition from good to poor in a short period was a predictor of increased risk of unemployment but a persistent pattern of health problems was not associated with unemployment. Women with health problems showed a high probability of retirement, whereas among men, health problems instantly the possibility of both job loss and retirement.
Conclusions Health problems of middle aged and older workers were crucial risk factors for retirement and involuntarily job loss. Especially functional defect and recent health problems strongly and instanty affected employment status.
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Summary
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
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