Excerpts from news.nd.edu:
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame are launching a new independent study on the turnout Gear used by firefighters, following initial findings that revealed high levels of fluorine in fabric samples. This discovery has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with these materials.
Graham Peaslee, a professor of experimental nuclear physics at the university, led the first round of testing on unused protective gear. His lab analyzed fabric swatches for the presence of perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), a group of chemicals known for their stain-resistant and nonstick properties. The results were shocking — nearly all samples showed extremely high concentrations of fluorine, far beyond what was expected.
Now, Peaslee is expanding the research to include both new and used turnout gear from the 2000s. This includes jackets, pants, and undershirts that have either been recently issued or have been in service for over a decade. The goal is to understand how PFASs behave over time and whether they leach out during normal use, such as washing or exposure to heat and light.
PFASs have been linked to several serious health conditions, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers, as well as thyroid disease and low birthweight. These chemicals are commonly found in products like fast-food packaging, nonstick cookware, and firefighting foams. In 2017, Peaslee was part of a team that discovered PFASs in fast-food wrappers, sparking further concern about their widespread presence.
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains PFASs, has been widely used in firefighting but has also been connected to water contamination in various communities, including Michigan. Some fire departments there are now looking to replace AFFF with safer alternatives. The U.S. Air Force began phasing out PFAS-based foams in 2016 and completed the transition in 2017.
To detect PFASs, Peaslee’s lab uses a technique called particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy, which he helped develop. It's an efficient and cost-effective method for measuring total fluorine content. For this study, his team will test not only the amount of PFASs in the gear but also how much may be released during washing, wear, and exposure to environmental factors.
"We'll measure each piece of gear and track changes in fluorine content over time," Peaslee explained. "We’ll look at how much of the chemical transfers off the fabric after washing and even test the water itself. We can expose the fabric to heat and light to see if the chemical bonds break down."
The persistence of PFASs in the environment is a major concern. These chemicals don’t degrade easily and can remain in the body or soil for years. While it's still unclear if direct skin contact leads to absorption, a 2017 study co-authored by Peaslee showed that certain PFASs, like short-chain compounds, can accumulate in organs such as the brain and stomach.
If the tests show a measurable loss of PFASs from the gear, it could mean the chemicals are entering the environment — potentially affecting the health of firefighters who work and live in those environments. "That would be a significant finding," Peaslee said. "This study needs to be done."
Importantly, Peaslee’s research on PFASs in firefighter gear is being conducted on a pro bono basis, highlighting his commitment to public health and safety.
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