July 13, 2023
New research investigates long-term health risks for firefighters
Firefighters face occupational risks in the profession on a daily basis. Potential exposures to toxic chemicals is the focus for three major research studies by investigators at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health.
The first study is concerned with firefighters’ exposure to PFAs (per- and polyfluorinated substances) due to its prevalence in fire fighting foams. The project team will collect blood and urine samples from study volunteers for comparison with career firefighters to better understand the level of exposure.
The second study is researching how firefighters were exposed to PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) through the skin. The UW researchers are investigating whether the type of gloves firefighters wear during toxic chemical clean up can reduce PAH exposure.
The third study focuses on the impact of radiofrequency exposures via communication devices on career firefighters, with the study team tracking variability in radiofrequency exposures inside and outside fire stations in the Puget Sound area.