Excerpts from news.nd.edu:
Scientists at the University of Notre Dame are launching a new independent study focused on the turnout Gear used by firefighters, following initial tests that revealed high levels of fluorine in the materials. The research is led by Graham Peaslee, a professor of experimental nuclear physics at the university. His lab has been analyzing fabric samples from unused personal protective equipment (PPE) to detect the presence of perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment.
"The results were surprising — off the scale in terms of parts per million of fluorine in nearly all the samples," Peaslee said. "Almost everything was heavily contaminated with fluorine." The upcoming study will examine both new and used turnout gear from the 2000s, including jackets, pants, and undershirts, some of which have been in service for over a decade.
PFASs have been associated with various health risks, such as prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers, thyroid disease, and low birthweight. These chemicals are commonly found in stain-resistant products and nonstick cookware. In 2017, Peaslee was part of a team that discovered PFASs in fast-food packaging, raising concerns about their widespread use and exposure.
In addition to being used in firefighting foams, PFASs are also present in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), which have been linked to water contamination incidents. In Michigan, where several communities have traced pollution back to these foams, local fire departments are working to reduce or eliminate their use. The U.S. Air Force began phasing out PFAS-based foams in 2016, completing the transition by 2017.
To detect PFASs, Peaslee’s lab uses particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy, a method he developed to efficiently measure total fluorine content. For this study, he and his students will not only measure the chemical content but also track how much of it may be released through wear, washing, and exposure to heat and light.
"We’ll test each piece of gear and compare the fluorine levels before and after washing, and even look at the water from the wash to see if any chemicals have leached out," Peaslee explained. "We can also expose fabric swatches to different conditions to determine if the chemical bonds break down."
The potential breakdown of PFASs in textiles and their transfer into the environment is a major concern. These chemicals are highly persistent and can remain in the body and the environment for years. While there's still no clear evidence that PFASs can be absorbed through skin contact, Peaslee co-authored a 2017 study showing that certain types of PFASs, like short-chain compounds, can accumulate in organs such as the brain and stomach.
"If we observe a measurable decrease in the fluorine levels, it means the chemicals have entered the environment," Peaslee said. "That environment includes the workplaces and homes of firefighters. This could be a significant discovery, and I believe this study is essential."
Peaslee’s work on PFASs in firefighter gear has been conducted without charge, highlighting his commitment to understanding and addressing potential health and environmental risks.
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