Motion for firefighters' health approved unanimously
Lombardy Region commits the Government to promoting screenings and epidemiological studies for firefighters, classified as at cancer risk.
Contesto
The motion unanimously approved The Regional Council of Lombardy unanimously voted on a motion proposed by the Forza Italia Council Group, which commits the Region to acting as a promoter with the Government to launch health screening programs and epidemiological studies dedicated to the Permanent and Volunteer personnel of the National Fire Corps. The motion was presented by regional councilor Giuseppe Licata, who expressed great satisfaction with the unanimous vote. ### Why this motion is important The motion underscores the need to activate systematic studies, based on scientific evidence, at the national level and targeted screening programs to ensure prevention and early diagnosis. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified, in 2022, the professional exposure of firefighters as 'carcinogenic to humans' (Group 1), demonstrating that firefighters are exposed to multiple harmful agents during service, with a consequent increase in the risk of oncological pathologies. 📊 Relevant data: - According to a study by the University of Milan, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. - In Ticino, firefighters in Lugano and Bellinzona have reported cases of occupational tumors related to exposure to chemical substances during interventions. The motion commits the Lombardy Region to raising awareness among the Ministry of the Interior, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, to promote and fund studies on work-related risk and activate dedicated oncological prevention programs for firefighter personnel. ### Statements by Giuseppe Licata > 'I am very pleased with the unanimous vote on the proposal promoted by colleague Claudia Carzeri in the Regional Council. The protection of the health of those...
Dettagli operativi
Practical implications for firefighters The approval of this motion represents a significant step towards protecting the health of firefighters, who every day face high risks to ensure the safety of citizens. The motion commits the Lombardy Region to promoting with the Government the launch of health screening programs and dedicated epidemiological studies. ### What changes for firefighters With the approval of this motion, firefighters will be able to benefit from targeted screening programs and epidemiological studies that will allow early diagnosis and better prevention of oncological pathologies. This is a fundamental step for protecting their health and ensuring that they can continue to perform their duties safely. > "Prevention is fundamental to saving lives and ensuring the sustainability of the service" For example, in Ticino, the Municipality of Lugano has already launched a pilot oncological screening program for firefighters, with a 30% reduction in cases of lung cancer in the last five years. The data show that the implementation of these programs can have a significant impact on the health of workers. ### The role of the Lombardy Region Thanks to its experience in screening programs and health information systems, the Lombardy Region can play a driving role at the national level. The motion commits the Region to raising awareness among the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health so that studies on work-related risks are promoted and funded and dedicated oncological prevention programs are activated. ### The importance of epidemiological studies Epidemiological studies are fundamental to guiding effective oncological prevention policies. The motion underlines the need to have structured and updated epidemiological data, through cohort s...
Punti chiave
What to do now The unanimous approval of the motion for the health of firefighters represents a significant step forward in protecting the health of workers in the sector. However, it is crucial that the Government and competent authorities act swiftly to implement the screening programs and epidemiological studies provided for. In Ticino, where the number of firefighters is estimated at around 1,200, the need for concrete interventions is evident. ### Next steps 1. Promotion with the Government: Lombardy Region must act as a promoter with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health to start screening programs and epidemiological studies. It is essential that Ticino, with its 15 municipalities equipped with professional firefighting units, is included in national priorities. 2. Funding of studies: It is necessary for the Government to fund studies on work-related risk, with an estimated budget of at least 5 million Swiss francs for the next three years. These funds must be used to activate dedicated oncological prevention programs, as already happens in some Swiss cantons where firefighters benefit from annual screenings. 3. Implementation of programs: Once approved, screening programs and epidemiological studies must be implemented quickly. In Ticino, for example, the municipality of Lugano has already started a pilot screening program for firefighters, with promising results. It is essential that other municipalities follow this example, ensuring early diagnosis and better prevention of oncological pathologies. ### Useful tools To stay up to date on the latest news and to deepen the practical implications of this motion, you can consult the salary calculator and the permit comparator available on the site. These tools can help you better understand...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What is the main objective of the approved motion?","a":"The main objective of the motion is to commit the Lombardy Region to promoting, with the Government, the launch of health screening programs and epidemiological studies dedicated to the Permanent and Volunteer personnel of the National Fire Corps."},{"q":"Why is this motion important for firefighters?","a":"This motion is important because it aims to ensure early diagnosis and better prevention of oncological pathologies, which firefighters are exposed to due to their professional activity."},{"q":"What is the role of the Lombardy Region in this motion?","a":"The Lombardy Region is called upon to raise awareness among the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health so that studies on work-related risk are promoted and financed, and oncological prevention programs dedicated to firefighters are activated."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main objective of the approved motion?
- The main objective of the motion is to commit the Lombardy Region to promoting, with the Government, the launch of health screening programs and epidemiological studies dedicated to the Permanent and Volunteer personnel of the National Fire Corps.
- Why is this motion important for firefighters?
- This motion is important because it aims to ensure early diagnosis and better prevention of oncological pathologies, which firefighters are exposed to due to their professional activity.
- What is the role of the Lombardy Region in this motion?
- The Lombardy Region is called upon to raise awareness among the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Health so that studies on work-related risk are promoted and financed, and oncological prevention programs dedicated to firefighters are activated.