> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Catalonia to Study Cancer in Firefighters - URL: https://barna.news/catalonia-to-study-cancer-in/ - Published: 2026-11-05T08:23:17.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-05T08:23:17.000Z - Description: First-of-its-kind study will assess cancer incidence among active and retired firefighters following long-term exposure to toxins. - Author: Barna.News News Desk - Tags: health Catalonia will conduct its first comprehensive study into cancer rates among firefighters, including retirees, after years of warnings from the emergency services community about prolonged exposure to carcinogenic substances. The Department of the Interior and Public Security and the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) have signed an agreement to investigate whether firefighters face a higher risk of cancer than the general population. The study will analyse cancer incidence, risk factors, and duration of exposure to smoke and toxic chemicals during fire interventions. It includes active and retired firefighters, as well as relatives of those who have died, acknowledging that some cancers may emerge decades after exposure. Data on professional careers, years of service, and fire call-outs will be provided by the Interior Department. In 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), classified occupational exposure for firefighters as carcinogenic to humans, citing sufficient evidence of a causal link with mesothelioma and bladder cancer. Despite this, firefighter David Fernández from Cornellà de Llobregat said professionals were unaware of the full risks for years. "When I got covered in soot, I didn't understand that I was contaminated. I could shake off my jacket as if it had sand from the beach. No one had explained it to me. I found out after 20 years as a firefighter," he said. > We do not accept continuing to be exposed to toxins and carcinogens after fires. Information collection is set to begin in the coming months, though no clear timeline has been established due to dependence on participation and data analysis. The agreement does not include financial compensation between institutions, which will use existing resources. The Interior Department will own the anonymised, aggregated results, while the ICO may publish scientific conclusions. --- ## Concerns Over Prevention and Equipment Firefighters are urging immediate preventive action, warning that contaminated gear often transfers carcinogens to vehicles, fire stations, and even homes. Marc, a member of the Assemblea de Bombers, welcomed the study but stressed that the danger is already scientifically proven. "The scientific evidence is clear," he said. The union CATAC, through an anonymous delegate, said it has been demanding proper cleaning and decontamination procedures for seven years. The Assemblea de Bombers is calling for an emergency plan that includes replacing contaminated equipment and establishing specialised decontamination centres. They also highlight the lack of clean-contaminated area separation in fire stations. ### Study Limitations and Urgent Demands David Fernández raised concerns that averaging exposure levels across different stations could obscure real risks, noting that a firefighter responding to 3,000 calls a year faces vastly different conditions than one with 200 calls. The agreement does not include specific decontamination measures, though it will assess the use of protective equipment. Professionals fear the study could be used to delay long-demanded safety reforms. "We would not want the Interior Department to use this study as an excuse to further delay the contaminant management plan that we have been demanding for many years," said the Assemblea de Bombers member. The agreement remains in effect until 31st December 2026, with potential for annual extensions up to four years. --- *Sources:* [*El Periódico*](https://www.elperiodico.com/es/barcelona/20261105/catalunya-investigara-primera-vez-cancer-bombers-generalitat-jubilados-expuestos-toxicos-135800497?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Catalonia to cut red tape for health centres](https://barna.news/catalonia-to-cut-red-tape-for-health/) - [Liver Cancer Vulnerability Identified by VHIO Study](https://barna.news/liver-cancer-vulnerability-identified/) - [Satse Demands Paid Voting Leave for ICS Staff](https://barna.news/satse-demands-paid-voting-leave-for-ics/) - [Catalan Hospitals Run Night MRI Scans to Cut Waiting Times](https://barna.news/catalan-hospitals-run-night-mri-scans/)