Rescue personnel's exposure to PFAS compounds – PePFAS
Objectives
The aim of the project is to
- investigate occupational exposure of rescue personnel to PFAS compounds (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances).
- assess the clinical significance of the results.
- identify potential exposure situations.
- help develop more effective risk management methods that improve occupational safety and promote health in the industry.
Data and methods
The study uses a case-control design where participants are over 35 years old and divided into two groups:
- Fire and rescue personnel, including contract staff who have worked for over 10 years in operational roles or have participated in operational training
- Control subjects who are not exposed to firefighting foams but work in physically demanding roles, such as paramedics, police officers, border guards, etc.
The goal is to recruit 150 individuals exposed in their work and 75 controls. Subjects are recruited through occupational health service health checks and other appointments. Additionally, participants are sought through social media. The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health is responsible for selecting participants and conducting the studies.
The study has two phases.
- In the first phase, all participants fill out an electronic preliminary questionnaire, based on which some are invited to the second phase.
- In the second phase, participants provide blood and urine samples and complete a questionnaire during sample collection. Blood samples will be analyzed for PFAS concentrations across a wide range (over 40 different PFAS compounds), cholesterol levels, thyroid function values (thyroxine, S-TSH), liver enzymes (S-ALAT, -ASAT, -gamma-GT), and oxidative stress biomarker (glutathione). Urine samples are examined for oxidative stress biomarkers (isoprostane, 8-OHdG). Participants receive their lab results.
Sample collection for laboratory tests is conducted at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health's premises or another specifically agreed laboratory.
Results and impact
The research provides valuable information on exposure to PFAS compounds and its health significance in operational tasks within the rescue field. The results can be used to develop measures and practical procedures that help improve work safety and exposure management in rescue operations and other tasks where PFAS exposure may occur. Additionally, the results of the research can be utilized in recommendations regarding the development of occupational health monitoring for rescue personnel.
The findings and practical recommendations will be communicated not only through articles but also on this project website towards the end of the project.
Our experts
Simo Porras
project manager, senior researcher
Aki Vuokko
medical officer in charge, assistant chief physician
Research group
Kukka Aimonen
Tiina Santonen
Oskari Lindfors
Partners
The research is conducted in collaboration with, among others, the Helsinki City Rescue Department, Rescue Department of Pirkanmaa, and Eastern Uusimaa Emergency Services Department. Other rescue departments and suitable work organizations will also be included in the research.
Funding
The research is funded by the Fire Protection Fund and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
