Perfluoroalkyl substances exposure in firefighters: Sources and implications

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• Firefighters are occupationally exposed to long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
• Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a common firefighting agent, is a significant source of PFAS exposure for this demographic.
• PFASs are persistent and bioaccumulative, leading to latent and cumulative health effects throughout a firefighter's career.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history and current practices of AFFF use by firefighters.
• To examine PFAS levels in firefighter serum and identify exposure pathways.
• To investigate occupational factors influencing PFAS levels and discuss potential health implications, particularly cancer risk.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on AFFF history, usage, and firefighter exposure data.
• Summary of studies reporting PFAS serum levels in firefighters.
• Analysis of known PFAS serum removal pathways and exposure routes.
• Discussion of occupational factors and their impact on PFAS levels.

Main Results:

• Firefighters exhibit elevated serum levels of long-chain PFASs.
• PFOA, a specific long-chain PFAS, is recognized as potentially carcinogenic.
• Studies indicate an increased risk of thyroid, kidney, bladder, testicular, prostate, and colon cancers among firefighters.

Conclusions:

• Occupational exposure to PFAS-containing AFFF is a significant concern for firefighters.
• The bioaccumulative nature of PFASs contributes to long-term health risks.
• PFAS exposure may be a contributing factor to elevated cancer risk in firefighters, necessitating further investigation.