Researchers have found a neurotoxic and carcinogenic chemical in firefighters. These are flame retardants, a substance found everywhere in homes and used to slow the spread of fires.
For the first time in France, a study indicates the presence of a carcinogenic pollutant in firefighters. The team from the show “Vert de Rage”, on France 5, investigated and revealed on Wednesday October 18, during a press conference, the results of two studies carried out by independent researchers. They reveal that flame retardants, these chemicals contained in all everyday objects (furniture, textiles, etc.), wreak havoc among firefighters. It turns out that 4% of them would suffer from cancers caused by pollutants, such as flame retardants.
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In France, there is no precise data on the number of professional firefighters suffering from cancer, which is estimated to be around 2,200. “It’s taboo, no one talks about it”, explains Martin Boudot, who produces the show “Vert de Rage”. “In 2003, a report commissioned by Nicolas Sarkozy recommended that there be epidemiological work on firefighters and better consideration of cancers. We’re 20 years later, that’s still not the case.”.
Only cancer recognized as an occupational disease
The director is surprised that France only recognizes one cancer as an occupational disease among firefighters, while there are around thirty in the United States. To move the lines, Martin Boudot’s team therefore carried out an experiment. Volunteer firefighters wore bracelets capable of detecting pollutants during their operations. And they did indeed detect some, notably flame retardants.
“Flame retardants are products used in the foam of your sofas, in the plastics of toys, in your car. These are things that are normally used to delay the spread of fire” indicates Martin Boudot.
“It’s a good idea originally but the problem is that it’s ineffective and also very toxic”
Martin Boudot, director of the show “Vert de Rage”at franceinfo
These flame retardants, released by smoke, are neurotoxic and carcinogenic. They were also found in blood tests carried out on firefighters.
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Stéphane Morizot, a former firefighter who has just retired, recently learned that he suffers from prostate cancer. Today he defends very simple protective measures, because firefighters are also contaminated through the skin. “Everything we have for the active phase is very effective. It is before and after the operation that we must modify, among other things, our “processes”, asks the former firefighter. We will take pairs of nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact with any equipment we may touch. You must change your hood during each firefighting operation and shower as quickly as possible upon returning to barracks.”.
At the head of his association, Stéphane Morizot wants to raise awareness among his colleagues so that they protect themselves from toxic fumes. He also calls for real monitoring of firefighters and the recognition of several cancers as occupational illnesses among firefighters.