A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has unveiled significant occupational and demographic factors linked to elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in U.S. career firefighters. Conducted by researchers from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University, this research sheds light on the underlying causes of PFAS accumulation, a crucial step in safeguarding the long-term health of this vital workforce.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic substances renowned for their water, grease, and stain-resistant properties. Their persistence in the environment and human body has been associated with adverse health effects, including immune dysfunction, certain cancers, and endocrine disruption. Firefighters, due to their high-risk occupational environments, exhibit higher serum PFAS levels compared to other professions and the general public.
Occupational Practices and PFAS Exposure
The study highlights how specific fireground practices and departmental protocols significantly influence PFAS levels. Certain routines, particularly those involving contaminated equipment and personal protective gear, are linked to higher blood serum concentrations. This finding underscores the critical role that workplace practices play in chemical exposure.
Demographic and lifestyle factors, such as years of service, rank, and personal behaviors, also emerged as predictors of PFAS levels. This suggests that both occupational and personal factors contribute to overall chemical exposure, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks.
“These study findings underscore the importance of occupational practices in shaping PFAS exposure among firefighters,” said Reagan Conner, lead author and public health doctoral student. “By identifying predictors, the fire service can put policies and practices in place to mitigate exposure risks effectively.”
Implications for Policy and Practice
The research team hopes their findings will inform targeted interventions, promote safer occupational practices, and guide policy recommendations at various governmental levels. Melissa Furlong, assistant professor at the Zuckerman College of Public Health and co-leader of the study, emphasized the collaborative nature of the research.
“We worked closely with fire service research champions across six states to complete this research, and have already shared the results with them and all the firefighters participating in the study,” Furlong stated. “Our fire service partners are already using this information to plan ways of reducing their PFAS exposure.”
Captain Orion Godfrey of the Goodyear Fire Department in Arizona, a co-author of the study, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the research.
“As a firefighter, I am excited to see the intersection between knowing more about what is hurting us and being able to do something about it,” Godfrey said. “This will help keep firefighters safe so they can go home to their families and the communities they serve. This is a great example of state-funded research having an impact on everyone in Arizona.”
Research Collaborations and Funding
The study was made possible through the collaboration of participating fire departments and study volunteers, whose involvement was crucial in advancing the understanding of occupational PFAS exposures. The research received partial funding from the Arizona Board of Regents and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study.
Additional contributors from the University of Arizona included James Hollister, Karen Lutrick, Shawn Beitel, Cynthia Porter, Olivia Healy, and Jeff Burgess. Co-authors from Arizona State University and retired fire service members also played pivotal roles in the study.
As the fire service community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by PFAS exposure, this research represents a significant step forward in developing effective strategies to protect those who risk their lives daily to ensure public safety.
