PFAS health risks explained
Firefighters are exposed to far higher levels of PFAS than members of the public. As a result, they are at increased risk of negative health impacts.
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The workplace is a major source of PFAS exposure
PFAS compounds have been linked with several types of cancer, including testicular, pancreatic, and kidney cancers
Several studies have identified links between common PFAS compounds and male infertility
There are clear links between PFAS and dyslipidemia, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease
A NIST study found almost all turnout gear is made using PFAS, and this leaches from the fabric due to wear and tear.
Older AFFF foams are made using a variety of PFAS compounds. They are being phased out but still pose a potential risk.
Structural, wildland, and training fires release a cocktail of different toxins, including many PFAS compounds.
When ordering new gear, try to choose PFAS-free options if they meet standards
Issue guidance on the use of turnout gear for incidents that don't require it
Order regular CLIA-certified PFAS blood tests for all of your firefighters
Firefighters have one of the highest exposures to PFAS of any group. Studies show that on average, they have 53% more PFAS than the normal population. But some firefighters have exposures that are many times higher still. This reflects the varied nature of firefighting in different locations. This matters for fire departments for several reasons. Firstly, PFAS is almost certainly adding to the burden of occupational disease faced by fire departments, making it harder to properly staff fire houses. Secondly, it is a huge concern for firefighters themselves. Being seen to take this concern seriously will be viewed positively. Finally, in an increasingly litigious society it will pay to monitor firefighter PFAS exposure over time.
Firefighters have high exposure to PFAS for a variety of reasons. PFAS has been used in firefighting foams, known as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) since the 1960s. These foams are very useful in fighting liquid fuel fires, which can’t be extinguished by water alone. PFAS chemicals are also extensively used in firefighters' personal protective equipment (PPE). Gear such as jackets, trousers, gloves, and boots are treated with PFAS to provide protection against extreme heat and chemical exposure. Last but not least, firefighters are exposed to PFAS at incidents, where burning building materials, synthetic products, and household contents release PFAS-contaminated particles into the air.
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.
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.
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.
Relentless Health's 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.
