Perfluoroalkyl substances exposure in firefighters: Sources and implications

Firefighters are at risk of occupational exposure to long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), most notably from PFASs present in Class B aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Firefighters have been found to have elevated serum levels of long-chain PFASs. Due to the persistence of PFAS ch...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental research 2023-03, Vol.220, p.115164, Article 115164
Main Authors: Rosenfeld, Paul E., Spaeth, Kenneth R., Remy, Linda L., Byers, Vera, Muerth, Stuart A., Hallman, Ryan C., Summers-Evans, Jasmine, Barker, Sofia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
AFFF
Alkanesulfonic Acids - analysis
Alkanesulfonic Acids - toxicity
Cancer
Carcinogen
Firefighters
Fluorocarbons - analysis
Fluorocarbons - toxicity
Humans
Male
Occupational Exposure - adverse effects
PFAS
PFHxS
PFOA
PFOS
Water
Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Firefighters are at risk of occupational exposure to long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), most notably from PFASs present in Class B aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Firefighters have been found to have elevated serum levels of long-chain PFASs. Due to the persistence of PFAS chemicals in the human body and their ability to bioaccumulate, firefighters experience the latent and cumulative effects of PFAS-containing AFFF exposure that occurs throughout their careers. This article summarizes the history of AFFF use by firefighters and current AFFF use practices. In addition, this paper describes PFAS levels in firefighter serum, PFAS serum removal pathways, PFAS exposure pathways, and occupational factors affecting PFAS levels in firefighters. International, national, and state agencies have concluded that PFOA, a long-chain PFAS, is potentially carcinogenic and that carcinogens have an additive effect. From the cancer types that may be associated with PFAS exposure, studies on cancer risk among firefighters have shown an elevated risk for thyroid, kidney, bladder, testicular, prostate, and colon cancer. Thus, exposure to PFAS-containing AFFF may contribute to firefighter cancer risk and warrants further research. •PFASs accumulate in blood serum of firefighters exposed to PFAS via AFFF and/or turnout gear•Firefighters have elevated risk of developing thyroid, kidney, testicular, and prostate cancer•Blood removal decreases the residence time of PFASs in the human body•Occupational duties, employment duration, and PPE use affect serum PFAS levels in firefighters•Cancer risk evaluations for firefighters should follow USEPA's dose-additive methodology
ISSN:0013-9351
1096-0953
DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2022.115164