Neubrandenburg (dpa/mv) - The cancer risk in the professional fire brigade in Neubrandenburg is not higher than in general in society, despite an accumulation of cases. This is the conclusion of a study by the University of Greifswald, the results of which were presented on Friday by the head of the Institute for Community Medicine, Wolfgang Hoffmann. However, the study also showed that the risk due to lower occupational safety in GDR times was higher than today. "I am pleased that we are not a significant slip-up," said the head of the Neubrandenburg professional fire brigade, Frank Bühring.
"The work of firefighters is a profession that is associated with risks without optimal occupational safety," said Hoffmann. This was also shown by similar studies at international level. The investigation, commissioned by the State Ministry of Health, began in June 2020. Around 100 firefighters were involved, and 30 comrades refused to provide their data.
The background to the project was that twelve firefighters in Neubrandenburg fell ill with cancer within a few years. Nine emergency services between the ages of 50 and 60 died. Of these, five comrades died specifically because of cancer, the scientist said. Three firefighters were able to return to work after successful treatment. The colleagues concerned were all already employed by the fire brigade in GDR times, said Bühring. There are no cases of cancer among colleagues who were hired after 1990.
In the meantime, Neubrandenburg comrades can already take off and change their operational clothing on site. This is then washed in the office. Firefighters used to take their smoke-contaminated clothing home, where they washed it themselves. The Neubrandenburg study is to be continued in two to three years, announced Health Minister Stefanie Drese (SPD).
