Abstract

This project has resulted in three publications: Risques de tumeurs cérébrales chez les pompiers (R-396, Risk of brain tumours in fire fighters), Risques de tumeurs du rein chez les pompiers ( R-398, Risks of kidney tumours in fire fighters), and Risques de tumeurs de la vessie urinaire chez les pompiers (R-400, Risks of bladder tumours in fire fighters).
These publications are extracts from a critical review of the literature on the relationships between the development of certain cancers and the profession of fire fighter.Of the 18 studies surveyed by the author, none establishes a link between brain cancer and the performance of this profession.
However, the results reveal, based on limited evidence, that kidney cancer could be attributable to occupational exposure to contaminants for fire fighters with more than 20 years of seniority. Genetic characteristics and lifestyle may also be involved. It is therefore impossible at the present time to establish a link between age and the profession.
Finally, the case of bladder cancer could, based on limited evidence, be attributable to the performance of the profession of firefighter if other factors, including smoking, are excluded. The use in the past of analgesics containing phenacetin and a history of multiple infections of the urinary apparatus that could contribute to the development of bladder cancer, as well as the worker's medical history must be taken into consideration in establishing the diagnosis.