Public Health Risks to First Responders

OBJECTIVE: 

To advance and use per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) collection and analysis tools and methodologies to characterize PFAS in firefighter gear and workplace environments. The findings of this research will support the development of standards, policies, and best practices to reduce firefighter exposure to PFAS.

Problem:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of over 6,000 synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer and industrial applications. However, they pose significant health and environmental risks. Growing evidence suggests that firefighters may face additional exposure risks due to PFAS in their gear and workplace environments. Despite this concern, scientific data on PFAS presence in firefighter gear and workplaces is limited. Additionally, there is a lack of understanding regarding the accuracy, uncertainty, and practical application of PFAS collection and analysis methods, which are essential for making informed risk-reduction decisions.

Research Plan:

This study aims to improve PFAS collection and analysis methods, apply them to assess PFAS in firefighter gear and workplace environments, and share findings to support the development of measurement standards, policies, and best practices to reduce firefighter exposure.

The main tasks are:

• Characterizing Methodologies.  To ensure the reliability and trust of PFAS collection, sample preparation, and analysis methods by evaluating their accuracy, reproducibility, strengths, and limitations. This includes
  • assessing techniques for collecting non-volatile and volatile PFAS from fabrics, residues, and gases (e.g., wipes, gear, thermal desorption tubes),
  • developing appropriate sample preparation methods (e.g., direct analysis, solvent extraction) based on PFAS volatility and sample type (gas, liquid, or solid)
  • using advanced analytical tools such as combustion ion chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and novel methodologies (e.g., targeted and non-targeted analysis) quantify/quantify PFAS levels.
• Assessing PFAS in Firefighter Gear. To measure the type, amount, and prevalence of PFAS in firefighter gear, including structural firefighting (jackets, pants, gloves, hoods, and breathing systems) and wildland firefighter (jacket, shirts, and pants) gear. This includes analyzing new gear as well as stressing and analyzing gear subjected to stressors that mimic real-world use (e.g., abrasion, thermal exposure, and laundering).
• Assessing PFAS in Firefighter Workplaces. To analyze PFAS presence in firefighter workplaces, such as fire stations, fire trucks, and fire scenes.  This includes collecting and analyzing samples from air (passive and active gas), surfaces (wipes), gear, and local other products (e.g., furniture, debris).
• Disseminating Research.  To release datasets and reports on our PFAS firefighter research.  Also to actively engage with standards organizations, federal and non-federal working groups, and industry committees to share findings, provide expert guidance, and identify future PFAS firefighter research needs for NIST.