MR federal MP Victoria Vandeberg is urging the government to speed up the recognition of certain cancers as occupational diseases.
“Our firefighters take risks every day to protect us; it is our responsibility to protect them in return when illness strikes. The science is unequivocal on this.”
In the Chamber's Health Committee, MR federal MP Victoria Vandeberg questioned Minister Frank Vandenbroucke about the recognition of certain firefighter cancers as occupational diseases.
This has been known for years. Firefighters, both professionals and volunteers, are repeatedly exposed to toxic smoke and carcinogenic substances, including after interventions via contaminated equipment. The effects can appear decades later.
While certain cancers are already listed for specific types of exposure (asbestos, wood dust, etc.), there is still no clear, specific list of cancers “presumed to be occupational” for firefighters. “A firefighter with cancer today must file an individual case and prove the link to their profession, which is legally and medically very burdensome and difficult,” explains Victoria Vandeberg.
As early as 2019, a national symposium organised by the Federal Ministry of the Interior highlighted an increased incidence of certain cancers among firefighters and called for legislation to be adapted. Since then, evidence has grown stronger: in 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) classified the profession of firefighter as carcinogenic to humans.
“These findings have been known for a long time. International experts already recommended action in 2019. Meanwhile, other countries, like France, have moved forward. We can't wait any longer,” insists Victoria Vandeberg.
The Minister confirmed that work is under way at Fedris. Based on IARC monograph 132, an in-depth scientific analysis was carried out in 2025 to identify the carcinogenic substances involved and the conditions of risky exposure. The medical commissions are now working to define the Belgian exposure criteria, an essential prerequisite for official recognition.
For the MP, these advances must now translate into concrete action.
“I understand that work is still ongoing, but also that the necessary steps will be taken as soon as a proposal is submitted. I'm pleased about this: these findings date back several years, and it would be useful to move forward quickly now”, concludes Victoria Vandeberg, who will follow the matter closely.