Why research into ‘forever chemicals’ includes firefighters

Summary of Why research into ‘forever chemicals’ includes firefighters

by NPR

11m•February 2, 2026
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Overview of Why research into ‘forever chemicals’ includes firefighters

This NPR Shortwave episode (host Regina Barber) examines PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called “forever chemicals” — why firefighters tend to have high PFAS levels, and what researchers are doing (and recommending) to reduce exposure for firefighters and the public. Melissa Furlong (assistant professor of environmental health sciences, Univ. of Arizona) describes sources of exposure, how studies measure PFAS in firefighter cohorts, preliminary findings (including links with blood/plasma donation), and practical steps individuals and departments can take.

Key points and main takeaways

  • PFAS are a large family (>10,000 types) of synthetic chemicals used since about the 1940s for water-, oil-, and stain-repellency (examples: Teflon, Gore-Tex treatments).
  • They persist in the environment and human body (hence “forever chemicals”) and are widely detectable in people.
  • Firefighters are a group with historically higher PFAS exposure. Two likely occupational contributors:
    • Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) used in firefighting (historically PFAS-rich; being phased out but still in some use).
    • Protective gear treated with PFAS for heat, oil and water resistance — potentially a direct exposure source (research ongoing).
  • Evidence from baseline data and prior Australian research shows blood and plasma donation are associated with lower PFAS blood levels (plasma donation showed the strongest association).
  • Research relies heavily on blood measurements plus extensive surveys and self-reporting; tracking exposures in real time is logistically difficult.
  • Individual actions (water filtration, bottled water, testing/filtration for well water) can reduce exposure; larger systemic change requires policy and manufacturer action.
  • Clean Cab and on-scene decontamination practices are practical departmental interventions to reduce cross-contamination.

Topics discussed

  • What PFAS are and why they’re called forever chemicals
  • Common consumer applications (nonstick pans, stain-resistant fabrics, rainwear, some cosmetics)
  • How PFAS accumulate in bodies and are difficult to eliminate
  • Firefighter-specific exposure pathways: foam, gear, workplace practices
  • Study methods: cohort enrollment, annual surveys, blood testing, reliance on self-report
  • Comparison to Australian study linking plasma donation and lower PFAS
  • Public health advice for individuals and departments

Study details & methodology

  • Study: U.S. firefighter cancer cohort (led in part by Jeff Burgess) enrolling ~8,000 firefighters.
  • Data collected: baseline blood PFAS measurements, extensive self-report surveys (occupational history, hygiene practices, donation history), and occasional follow-up sampling after high-exposure events.
  • Limitations: inability to observe every exposure event in the field; reliance on self-report; need for longitudinal/trial data to confirm causal impacts (e.g., whether plasma donation materially reduces PFAS and related health risks).

Notable quotes / insights

  • Melissa Furlong: “Because these chemicals don't break down easily in the environment or in the human body, PFAS are known as forever chemicals.”
  • On gear: “The gear that's supposed to be protecting them, is it actually increasing their PFAS?”
  • On personal risk management: “Mostly we want policymakers and manufacturers to be worried about the PFAS chemicals... And then on an individual basis, there are a couple of recommendations.”

Practical recommendations (action items)

For firefighters / fire departments:

  • Adopt Clean Cab and on-scene decontamination practices: rinse/soap on scene, remove gear before entering vehicle/cab, bag contaminated gear, avoid bringing worn gear into living spaces.
  • Assess historical foam use and replace PFAS-containing foams where possible.
  • Consider departmental programs for hygiene, gear cleaning, and exposure tracking.
  • Explore blood/plasma donation programs as a potential PFAS-reduction strategy (research ongoing).

For the general public:

  • Test well water for PFAS and other contaminants if you use a private well.
  • Use effective water filtration (reverse osmosis is one of the more effective options) or bottled water for drinking when concerned.
  • Avoid excessive anxiety by focusing on practical, sustainable steps while pushing for policy-level changes and better product regulation.

Context, implications, and next steps

  • Firefighters have higher cancer risks overall; PFAS exposure is a suspected contributor among other occupational hazards.
  • Continued research aims to (1) clarify exposure sources (gear vs. foam vs. environment), (2) determine whether interventions like plasma donation reduce PFAS and improve health outcomes, and (3) inform evidence-based best practices for departments and policymakers.
  • Broader impact: firefighter-focused research can offer lessons for reducing PFAS exposure in the general population.

Who should read or act on this

  • Firefighters and fire department administrators (for immediate operational changes)
  • Occupational and environmental health researchers and policymakers
  • Homeowners, especially those on private wells
  • Consumers interested in product safety and water quality

Sources and people mentioned: Melissa Furlong (Univ. of Arizona), Jeff Burgess (firefighter cancer cohort director), Australian study on plasma donation and PFAS, Clean Cab Initiative.