Firefighter PFAS / smoke exposure

Firefighters are exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and smoke, which can have significant health impacts due to their occupational duties. Studies indicate that firefighters have higher levels of PFAS in their bodies compared to the general population, potentially affecting immune responses and increasing risks related to hearing impairment. For instance, exposure to these chemicals has been linked to reduced effectiveness of vaccines and compromised auditory function. Additionally, prolonged smoke inhalation can exacerbate respiratory issues and other health problems associated with combustion byproducts. Connections to other factors such as environmental pollution sources and personal protective equipment use are also relevant for a comprehensive understanding of firefighter health risks. While the evidence provides insights into these exposures, more research is needed to fully understand long-term effects on firefighters' health.

Sources

• Biomonitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in firefighters: Study design and lessons learned from stakeholder and participant engagement. (PMID:35398800)
• High Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Antibody Responses to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine-an Observational Study in Adults from Ronneby, Sweden. (PMID:37578904)
• Sociodemographic and behavioral determinants of serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in a community highly exposed to aqueous film-forming foam contaminants in drinking water. (PMID:31444118)
• Current Issues Related to Combustion Byproducts & Human Health: A Summary of the 18th International PIC Congress. (PMID:41883373)
• Perfluoroalkyl substances exposure and hearing impairment in US adults. (PMID:32474307)

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