Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made about whether there is a causal link between chemical exposure and cancer incidence in Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials reviewed with interest the March 2025 British Journal of Urology International research letter on a potentially increased risk of bladder cancer in military personnel exposed to explosive ordnance. MOD referred this matter to the Independent Medical Expert Group (IMEG) for their independent medical advice. The possible link between exposure to explosives and an increased risk of bladder cancer among military personnel was discussed by the IMEG at their June 2025 meeting. This matter now forms part of their current work plan. This is a complex issue on which we await their advice.