2024-01-15 19:07:14
The 253,000 French firefighters (volunteers, professionals, sailors) are chronically exposed to thousands of chemical pollutants. In 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that there was “sufficient evidence” to link the occurrence of certain cancers (notably mesothelioma, bladder) with firefighting activity. However, if the unions and scientists are warning, if the press, including La Provence and Arrêt sur images, are investigating this public health subject, it is still struggling to establish itself in the political field.
Professional diseases
“We see firefighters strong, in great physical condition. We don’t spontaneously associate them with cancer.” LFI Deputy for the Territoire de Belfort and special rapporteur for program 161 “Civil Security” for the Finance Committee, Florian Chauche wants “to raise awareness“his colleagues of the urgency of deconstructing this cliché. “We must lift this blindfold that the French authorities keep over their eyes”, he professes, while countries like Canada, the United States or Australia have recognized up to 28 cancers as occupational illnesses of their firefighters. With his colleague from Allier Yannick Monnet (PCF), co-president of the study group “Firefighters, civil security and crisis management”, he is organizing on Wednesday at the National Assembly the screening of the documentary La contamination à little fire.
Flame retardants suspected of being carcinogenic
Carried out by the team of journalists from Vert de Rage magazine and also broadcast this Monday evening on France 5, this investigation notably made it possible to attest to the exposure of firefighters to flame retardants (RF). Present everywhere in everyday objects (car seats, furniture, textiles, etc.), these chemical compounds are endocrine disruptors and, for some, are suspected of being carcinogenic. However, in a home, office or vehicle fire, firefighters are chronically exposed. Martin Boudot’s team had already presented a preview to the unions of the results of analyzes carried out with the assistance of an American university.
They will also be present at the National Assembly this Wednesday. An event for those who have been trying for years to be whistleblowers, such as Lieutenant Stéphane Morizot, a professional firefighter for 40 years, now suffering from cancer. “It is essential that everyone applies better protection protocols before, during and after the fire”he urges with his association, Rifs.
“Cancers can develop years later”
Imposing more protective equipment and efficient decontamination processes: this is the goal of this recognized specialist in thermal phenomena, who has trained thousands of colleagues in simulation chambers. A position particularly exposed to toxic fumes. At their level, parliamentarians also hope to advance this cause. “We want to obtain from the State a real, reliable and serious epidemiological survey, among active firefighters but also retirees, because cancers can develop years later.”
Florian Chauche and Yannick Monnet want, at the end of the screening, for all parliamentary political groups to make a transpartisan proposal to this effect. “With the effects of global warming, we know that we are going to need firefighters more and more. The least we can do is take care of them.”
“Contamination slowly”, an investigation by Vert de rage, this Monday evening at 9:05 p.m. on France 5.
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