New research highlights the dangers firefighters face from their own protective gear due to PFAS exposure, emphasizing the urgent need for safer alternatives.
Will Atwater reports for the North Carolina Health News.
In short:
- Recent studies reveal that firefighters' turnout gear releases more PFAS, harmful chemicals linked to various health issues, as it ages.
- Efforts are underway to develop PFAS-free protective gear, although finding materials that offer equivalent protection is challenging.
- Exposure to PFAS is associated with significant health risks, including cancer, which is notably higher among firefighters compared to the general population.
Key quote:
"We can confidently say that more than 20 types of PFAS might be present in firefighter gear."
— Rick Davis, NIST chemist
Why this matters:
The very gear that offers protection against fire could be a source of long-term health risks due to PFAS chemicals. The industry and regulators are grappling with the challenge of finding alternatives that do not compromise on safety or performance but reduce or eliminate the risk of PFAS exposure.
