They intervene at the risk of their lives, but also… of their health. For a long time, firefighters suffering from cancer had to fight to have the link between their illness and their profession recognized. From now on, this battle is lightened with the recognition of several cancers inherent to the profession.
A historic breakthrough for those who face fire
A decree published in Official Journal December 26 indeed marks a turning point: new cancers are officially recognized as occupational diseases among firefighters.
The text thus updates two tables of occupational diseases linked to exposure to coal combustion, as well as to asbestos inhalation. These tables now include cancers which can appear decades after exposure, in particular:
- Mesotheliomas (affecting the pleura, peritoneum or other membranes);
- Bladder cancers.
Until now, the list was almost empty for firefighters. Only two cancers were officially recognized as linked to their activity: nasopharyngeal carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. A situation considered largely insufficient by the profession.
“We are delighted: it is legal recognition of professional exhibitions”, responded Norbert Berginiat, vice-president of the National Federation of Firefighters to AFP.
A recognition which concerns professionals, volunteers, but also soldiers engaged in civil security.
An ancient claim, supported by science
However, this recognition does not come out of nowhere. For several years, scientific studies have been accumulating and pointing to a probable link between the profession of firefighter and certain cancers.
In 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had already established a probable occupational origin for bladder cancer and mesothelioma. But without a concrete decision.
“Exposure occurs through inhalation of fire smoke, but also through the skin,” recalls Norbert Berginiat, himself a doctor. An observation shared by many experts, faced with the increasing toxicity of fumes from modern materials.
In short, our firefighters are putting themselves in danger and without a safety net.
What this actually changes for firefighters
Recognition as an occupational disease has immediate and very concrete consequences for the affected firefighters. When their situation corresponds to the criteria in the official tables:
- Compensation becomes automatic;
- It is in addition to the coverage by Health Insurance;
- The patient no longer has to undertake a long and complex procedure to prove the occupational origin of his illness.
This is a major step forward, particularly for volunteer firefighters, who represent a large part of the workforce and have until now been poorly protected against these invisible risks.
And after? Prevention must take place at the heart of the profession
For firefighter representatives, this recognition is essential, but it is not enough. “It’s good that it’s recognized, but it’s better that it’s avoided”now insists Norbert Berginiat.
The issue now goes beyond compensation alone: it is about better protecting firefighters from carcinogenic substances.
A national study, promised for several years by the Ministry of the Interior to precisely measure the risks involved, is currently being prepared. It could lead to:
- Strengthening protective equipment;
- New decontamination procedures;
- Improved medical monitoring;
- Even a future extension of the list of occupational diseases.
After years of combat, this recognition marks a turning point for firefighters suffering from serious illnesses. Finally, it establishes, in black and white, the link between engagement with fire and health risks.