The PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance project is an initiative from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services measuring the amount of PFAS in blood samples collected from firefighters throughout the state.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, is considered a forever chemical used in the manufacturing of many consumer products, including firefighting foam, and has been linked to cancer.
“Some PFAS, including some that have been found in firefighting foam, were detected in 95% or more of participants.”
Jake Carrick is lead toxicologist for the study. He says the data shows airport firefighters had higher concentrations of PFAS compared to non-airport firefighters.
“This suggests that there’s widespread exposure to these chemicals within our firefighting population. However, despite being detected in almost all of the firefighters, the average concentrations were actually lower or similar compared to the U.S. population.”
Carrick noted that PFAS found in protective gear or from fire station drinking water showed little to no detection in participants.
You can read the full report here.
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