Image description: Two firefighters walking holding firefighting foam, a common source of PFAS. Image by Maria Moczydlak from Pixabay.

New research suggests exposure to some common PFAS or “forever chemical” compounds causes changes to gene activity, and those changes are linked to health problems including multiple cancers, neurological disorders and autoimmune disease.

Researchers examined the blood of about 300 firefighters from four departments across the country who were exposed to high levels of Pfas. The chemicals are the main ingredient in most firefighting foam and are frequently used in “turnout gear” worn by firefighters because of their heat repelling properties.

The study is reportedly among the first to examine how Pfas chemicals impact gene activity, called epigenetics. The study’s lead author Melissa Furlong, a University of Arizona College of Public Health Pfas researcher, said its findings “gives us a hint as to which genes and which Pfas might be important”. The research may also point toward other diseases potentially caused by Pfas that have not yet been identified, the authors said.

Furlong said she was surprised to find the number of genes and biological pathways that were impacted by Pfas, which suggests the chemicals may cause or contribute to a broad range of health problems. The study did not prove the chemicals cause certain diseases, but findings point to biological changes that might precede disease.

HSE research into PFAS 

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as the Agency for UK REACH, has assessed the risks linked with using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams (FFF). This work was carried out at the request of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), with the agreement of the Scottish and Welsh Governments.

A new report examines the risks PFAS in FFF may pose to human health and the environment and suggests measures to reduce those risks. They are now inviting comments on the proposed restriction on the placing on the market and use of PFAS in FFF, along with any relevant evidence or information you can provide.

A note on PFAS

Pfas are a class of about 15,000 compounds most frequently used to make products water-, stain- and grease-resistant. They have been linked to cancer, birth defects, decreased immunity, high cholesterol, kidney disease and a range of other serious health problems. They are dubbed “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down in the environment.