Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Results: Study on cancer cases in firefighters

Neubrandenburg (dpa/mv) - A study will be presented on Friday (1 p.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Results: Study on cancer cases in firefighters

Neubrandenburg (dpa/mv) - A study will be presented on Friday (1 p.m.) in connection with a series of cancer diseases in the Neubrandenburg professional fire brigade. Researchers at the University of Greifswald have examined the cases more closely in order to reduce health risks for firefighters as much as possible in the future. The investigation, commissioned by the State Ministry of Health, began in June 2020.

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, three firefighters were able to return to work after successful treatment.

It was examined, for example, whether the disease was associated with carcinogenic substances in smoke gases. It was also discussed whether these forms of cancer, which affect the lungs, lymph glands and genitals, should be recognized as an occupational disease in Germany.