PFAS (per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made “forever chemicals”. They have long been used in manufacturing for their useful chemical properties, such as being non-stick and being able to repel water.
The unique properties of PFAS means they have seen numerous firefighting applications. For decades, they have been the key ingredient in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). They are also used in the manufacture of firefighter’s turnout gear to improve heat transfer and moisture wicking, as well as to make the outer layers of the turnout gear grease and oil resistant. Researchers from NIST have identified many different PFAS in turnout gear. The PFAS Core Panel can identify up to 18 of these compounds. Additionally, modern buildings are full of PFAS in both the construction materials and furnishings. This means there is a high risk of PFAS exposure during structural fires.
Evidence is increasingly linking PFAS exposure to significant adverse health outcomes. These include several forms of cancer as well as reproductive health issues and organ damage among others. As a result, it is important to understand which PFAS substances are present in your body and in what quantities.
Our lab developed test can identify the presence of PFAS within the body. We collect a few drops of blood using a special sampling device. This is then sent to our central laboratory where we use advanced liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify which PFAS compounds are present. The test results are available a few days after the sample is sent to the lab.
Firefighters are known to be at exceptionally high risk from PFAS. Moreover, this risk is ongoing, so long as they are getting exposed through their turnout gear and other sources. As a result, we recommend regular testing and ongoing monitoring. The recommended testing interval will depend to some extent on the individual risks faced by each firefighter. We generally recommend testing twice a year, but some firefighters may need more and others less frequent testing.
The FF Toxin Test PFAS Core Panel tells your firefighters how much PFAS they have in their blood. They also receive a guide to help them understand what their results mean. As a Fire Chief or other senior member of a Fire Department, you get access to anonymized aggregate data and insights about how your department compares with others. However, this is only possible if your department is large enough to ensure that no individual can be identified in the data. If your department is too small, we can still share our overall anonymized dataset with you.
The Firefighter Toxin Tests PFAS Core Panel includes analysis of your blood for 18 different PFAS chemicals. Eight of the PFAS compounds are the same ones tracked by The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES):
The test also includes 10 other PFAS compounds that are commonly used in AFFF and turnout gear, as well as found in some drinking water and the environment.
Our toxin tests are available to be purchased and used by anyone in the United States, except for residents of the state of New York. This is due to New York's state regulations for lab testing. We hope to make our tests available in NY soon.
The PFAS Core Panel test is delivered by our parent company, Relentless Health. Their mission is to help first responders and others everyone live healthier lives in the face of toxin exposure. Relentless Health donates a proportion of every sale made to organizations that help first responders deal with the health impacts of their job.
