PFAS Human Biomonitoring in Firefighters

Status:

ongoing

Aims:

The aim of this study is to determine the internal exposure of firefighters to per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) to map the occurrence of these substances in biological materials.

PFAS are components of AFFF firefighting foams that have been, and continue to be, used to extinguish fires in classes A (solid materials) and B (flammable liquids and melting solids) during training exercises and emergency situations. They are also used in firefighters’ protective clothing and equipment as a treatment to repel water and oil and to make the gear heat-resistant. PFAS substances are present in the air, smoke, and dust at fire scenes because they are widely used in consumer products such as electronics, furniture, construction materials, and vehicles. When these products burn, PFAS are released, leading to additional exposure during fires.

For this purpose, a longitudinal study will quantitatively determine the concentration of selected PFAS in serum and urine samples from firefighters using human biomonitoring (HBM). Together with demographic, work-related and lifestyle-related data from the participants, the study aims to identify factors influencing internal exposure to PFAS. The longitudinal design of the study will also allow for the tracking of temporal trends in internal PFAS exposure. Furthermore, a comparison with data from reference groups of occupationally non-exposed populations will highlight similarities and differences regarding the levels and distribution of PFAS exposure.

Activities/Methods:

The planned study is a human biomonitoring project designed as a prospective longitudinal study to be conducted at two centers (ZfAM Hamburg and IPA Bochum). Individual firefighters will provide biological samples (blood, urine) every six months over a period of five years, which will be analyzed for PFAS. Demographic and activity-related data of the participants will be collected using questionnaires. At least 150 study participants are to be included. It is intended that participants will be recruited from professional fire departments, volunteer fire departments, and industrial fire brigades to provide, as far as possible, a comprehensive picture of the fire service.

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