PFAS Exposure Education & Management

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The role of firefighting has always been one involving high-risk. For decades, the number one Line of Duty Death (LODD) among firefighters was stress-related emergencies such as heart attacks. Today, it’s occupational cancer.     

Emergency responders are aware that products of combustion are linked to cancer among firefighters. However, many firefighters are unaware they have been and continue to be exposed to something just as dangerous if not more, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of thousands of man-made chemicals linked to various forms of cancer and debilitating medical illnesses. PFAS has been detected in certain firefighting foams and firefighter turnout gear.     

It is estimated that approximately 110 million Americans have been exposed to PFAS. Does your organization know what PFAS is? Does your organization use firefighting foam that may contain PFAS? What if anything is your organization doing to minimize or eliminate exposure to PFAS? Does your organization have policies in place regarding PFAS?     

AFSO21 is ready to offer consulting support to your organization with developing and maintaining an education program regarding PFAS and create policies to protect personnel from unnecessary exposure to PFAS.