Page 23 - UFRA Straight Tip Spring 2023 - Volume 24 Issue 2

How can I reduce my exposure to PFAS?
• Legacy turnout gear should be replaced as new PFAS-free technologies become available. • Do not wear turnout gear on responses where this level of protection is not necessary.*
PFAS From the Fireground
• Limit use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams.
• Do not wear turnout gear for physical fitness.
• Where possible, wear gloves when handling PPE. If not, wash your hands after handling.
• When transporting in a car, put PPE in a bag or container.
• When cleaning apparatus, PPE locker room, or app bays – DO NOT use an air hose or leaf blower.
• Use a shop vacuum with a HEPA filter to vacuum the floor or wet mop to limit the exposure to dust that is shed from PPE. • Use a damp towel to wipe down other surfaces in apparatus.
• Dispose of PFAS-containing gear and AFFF appropriately to limit further environmental contamination.
• Shower within the hour after every exposure to occupational exposures.
Other Exposures
• If your drinking water contains PFAS above the EPA Lifetime Health Advisory (0.004 parts per trillion [ppt] for PFOA, 0.02 ppt for PFOS, 10 ppt for GenX chemicals, and 2,000 ppt for PFBS), consider using an alternative or treated water source.
• Read consumer product labels and avoid using those with PFAS.
• Limit personal exposure to PFAS from consumer products.
*Wearing all PPE and SCBA during firefighting, overhaul, and while working in smoke is still the best first line of defense when it comes to limiting exposures to fireground contaminants. Following any exposure to the products of combustion, all PPE should be cleaned in accordance with NFPA 1851 to reduce cross-contamination and further exposure.
Where can I find more information on PFAS?
The IAFF and the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs) issued a joint safety advisory on the adverse health risks from PFAS in fire fighter turnout gear. Learn more here: iaff.org/PFAS.
Sources:
1. Graham F. Peaslee, John T. Wilkinson, Sean R. McGuinness, Meghanne Tighe, Nicholas Caterisano, Seryeong Lee, Alec Gonzales, Matthew Roddy, Simon Mills, and Krystle Mitchell Environmental Science & Technology Letters 2020(8), 594-599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00410.
2. Franko J, Meade BJ, Frasch H, Barbero A, Anderson SE [2012]. Dermal Penetration Potential of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in Human and Mouse Skin. J Toxicol Environ Health 75(1):50-62.
3. Jennifer Franko, B. J. Meade, H. Frederick Frasch, Ana M. Barbero & Stacey E. Anderson (2012) Dermal Penetration Potential of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in Human and Mouse Skin, Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 75:1, 50-62, DOI:10.1080/15287394.2011.615108.
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