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What Are PFAS?
Why Firefighters Are at Higher Risk
Why Firefighters Are at Higher Risk
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a group of human-made chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment. These substances are valued for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, and are used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products. Because they persist, even small exposures can accumulate over time.
Why Firefighters Are at Higher Risk
Why Firefighters Are at Higher Risk
Why Firefighters Are at Higher Risk
Firefighters face a significantly higher risk of developing cancer and other serious health conditions due to occupational exposure to carcinogenic chemicals. Among the most concerning are PFAS, a major class of chemicals commonly encountered in the fire service. Studies have found elevated PFAS levels in firefighters’ blood, highlighting the ongoing dangers of exposure through turnout gear, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), and contaminated air or dust at both fire scenes and fire stations.
The Importance of PFAS Testing
Why Firefighters Are at Higher Risk
The Importance of PFAS Testing
PFAS testing plays a critical role in protecting the health and safety of firefighters. Because these chemicals can accumulate in the body over time, regular testing helps identify potential exposure early and allows firefighters to make informed decisions about their health. Test results can also guide medical professionals in monitoring long-term risks and support ongoing research into occupational exposure.
The Health Impact of PFAS Exposure
- Firefighters are 53% more likely to have higher PFAS exposure than the general population.
- They experience a 9% higher rate of cancer overall.
- Firefighters have a 14% greater mortality rate compared to the general population.
- In 2023, 72% of fallen firefighters lost their lives to occupational cancer.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies firefighting itself as a carcinogenic occupation.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for PFAS awareness, testing, and prevention. Protecting firefighters means addressing the risks that come with their dedication to protecting others.
Our Partnership with Relentless Health
The Brotherhood of Firefighters Foundation is honored to partner with Relentless Health, an organization dedicated to helping people live healthier lives through preventive health screening and proactive testing. Together, we are committed to protecting the firefighter community by expanding access to PFAS testing and health education across the country. Relentless Health’s focus on using better data and actionable health insights aligns with our shared goal of improving long-term outcomes for firefighters and their families. Through this partnership, we are empowering those who serve to take charge of their health and continue their vital work with confidence and care.
The Relentless Health PFAS Core Panel
The PFAS Core Panel* analyzes blood for 18 different PFAS compounds to help identify potential exposure.
Eight of these compounds are the same ones monitored by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for comparison to national population data:
- PFHxS – Perfluorohexane Sulfonate
- PFOA – Perfluorooctanoic Acid
- PFHpS – Perfluoroheptanesulfonic Acid
- PFNA – Perfluorononanoic Acid
- PFOS – Perfluorooctane Sulfonate
- PFDA – Perfluorodecanoic Acid
- PFUnDA – Perfluoroundecanoic Acid
- N-MeFOSAA – 2-(N-Methylperfluorooctanesulfonamido) Acetic Acid
In addition, the test measures 10 other PFAS compounds that are commonly found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), turnout gear, and the surrounding environment, including some drinking water sources:
- 4:2 FTS – Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (4:2)
- 6:2 FTS – Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2)
- 8:2 FTS – Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (8:2)
- PFBA – Perfluorobutanoic Acid
- PFBS – Perfluorobutane Sulfonate
- PFDoDA – Perfluorododecanoic Acid
- PFHpA – Perfluoroheptanoic Acid
- PFHxA – Perfluorohexanoic Acid
- PFNS – Perfluorononanesulfonic Acid
- PFPeA – Perfluoropentanoic Acid
*The Relentless Health PFAS test is designed as a research tool to help you monitor your exposure to PFAS in your environment. It is not intended for use as a clinical diagnostic test. The test results will allow you to monitor your own exposure.
