MEP Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission on 8 May 2026, urging the EU executive to assess and strengthen the protection of firefighters against occupational cancer. The question targets the Commission's current health and safety legislation, potential European guidelines for monitoring and identifying occupational cancers, and further restrictions on PFAS in firefighting foams under the REACH Regulation.
Fragkos cites the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which has classified occupational exposure of firefighters as Group 1 carcinogenic to humans. He highlights that firefighters are systematically exposed to benzene, dioxins, PFAS, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, leading to increased risks of leukaemia, lymphomas, and several other cancers. The MEP notes that several Member States have already recognised specific cancers as occupational diseases for firefighters or are considering legislative initiatives, and that European trade unions are calling for a stronger EU framework.
Concrete asks and policy direction
The question contains three concrete asks: first, whether the Commission considers current EU health and safety at work legislation adequate for protecting firefighters against cumulative exposure to carcinogens; second, whether the Commission will consider European guidelines on identifying occupational cancers in firefighters and monitoring their health long-term; and third, whether the Commission will consider further restrictions on PFAS in fire-fighting foams and related equipment under the REACH Regulation. The direction is towards stronger EU-level action, including harmonised guidelines and stricter chemical regulation, reflecting a push for increased EU integration in occupational health and safety.
Stakeholders impacted
Firefighters across the EU would be the primary beneficiaries of any strengthened framework, potentially gaining better health monitoring and recognition of occupational cancers. EU regulatory bodies, including the Commission and ECHA, would face increased workload to develop guidelines and assess PFAS restrictions. The chemical industry, particularly manufacturers of firefighting foams and equipment containing PFAS, would be negatively impacted by potential further restrictions under REACH. National authorities in Member States would need to align with any new EU guidelines, which could impose administrative and financial burdens but also harmonise protection levels.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, as per standard procedure for written questions. The answer will signal the Commission's policy direction on occupational cancer prevention for firefighters, including whether it plans to propose new legislation, issue guidelines, or pursue further PFAS restrictions. The response will be closely watched by trade unions, firefighter associations, and industry stakeholders. No prior coverage of this specific file exists in recent months.