Page 22 - UFRA Straight Tip Spring 2023 - Volume 24 Issue 2

PFAS and the Fire Service
What are PFAS?
PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a large family of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s.
PFAS do not occur naturally and are found in people, wildlife, and fish all over the world. PFAS are highly persistent and will stay in the body for a long time. PFAS do not breakdown easily in the environment, and are toxic to the environment, animals, and humans.
How can I be exposed to PFAS?
Fire fighters face an occupational exposure to PFAS through firefighting, training, and daily interactions with flame-suppressing foams (AFFF) and turnout gear.1 Although some types of PFAS are no longer used, many products may still contain PFAS, including food packaging materials, nonstick cookware,
stain-resistant carpet treatments, water-resistant clothing, cleaning products, paints, varnishes and sealants, some cosmetics, as well as AFFF firefighting foam and turnout gear.
How is my exposure measured?
Exposures are measured through blood serum levels. PFAS compounds penetrate the skin on both animals and humans.2 Dermal exposure may result in local and systemic toxicity.
Recent studies show that increases in blood serum levels of PFOA can
be measured around six hours post dermal exposure to PFOA (C8),3 demonstrating that skin is likely a significant route of exposure.
How can PFAS affect your health?
Scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposures to mixtures of PFAS. Scientific studies suggest that certain PFAS may affect different systems in the body. Human research studies suggest that high levels of certain PFAS may lead to increased cholesterol levels; changes in liver enzymes; decreased vaccine response in children; increased risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia in pregnant women; small decreases in infant birth weights; and increased risk of kidney, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, ovarian, prostate, and testicular cancers.
How can I reduce my exposure to PFAS?
In addition to occupational exposures, PFAS are present at low levels in some food products and in the environment (air, water, soil, etc.). While you cannot prevent PFAS exposure altogether, you can take steps to reduce your risk of exposure and support additional research that looks into PFAS chemicals:
PFAS in Turnout Gear
• Turnout gear should NOT be taken into firehouse living areas.
• When transporting gear in personal vehicles, it should be in a sealed container or bag, and preferably NOT transported in the passenger compartment.
• Apparatus cabs should be cleaned regularly and after every fire.
• Wash your hands after handling turnout gear.
CANCER PREVENTION
20 | UFRA Straight Tip