Initial findings released from the PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance Project

Webinars offered to review key findings June 3 and June 4

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released findings from a project to determine concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood of Michigan firefighters.

The PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance (PFOMS) project is a statewide initiative, measuring the amount of PFAS in blood samples and collecting information about possible exposures to PFAS through a survey. The project launched in 2021 and collected data from April 2021 through September 2023. 

Firefighters have higher risk than the general public of being exposed to PFAS due to the fact they work with additional sources of PFAS including firefighting foam, PFAS-treated protective clothing, contaminated equipment and station dust. Additionally, firefighters also experience the same potential exposures to PFAS as the general public through sources such as drinking water or eating food contaminated with PFAS.  

“Historically, firefighters have been at an increased risk of PFAS exposure due to the nature of their work,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “The findings of this report provide valuable insights into PFAS exposure among Michigan firefighters and will help us better understand firefighters’ exposure to PFAS.” 

Findings in the report: 

• Established reference concentrations for 13 types of PFAS, such as PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS, in the blood of Michigan firefighters.
• Detected PFAS known to be found in PFAS-containing foam, such as PFOS and PFHxS, in more than 95% of Michigan firefighters. However, these levels were found to be lower or similar to levels detected in the U.S. population.

The report, its accompanying brief and opportunities to learn more about the findings can be found online at Michigan.gov/DEHBio. Additionally, MDHHS is hosting two online webinars to review key findings from the study later this month: 

• Wednesday, June 3, at 12 p.m. Register online for the webinar.
• Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m. Register online for the webinar. 

 Recommendations for fire departments and fighters: 

• In order to reduce firefighters' exposure to PFAS and ensure responsible use of PFAS-containing foam, it is important for fire departments to follow federal and state recommendations and report the use of PFAS-containing foam.  
• Firefighters should follow all applicable fire department guidelines for use of personal protective equipment, decontamination after fire responses and routine cleaning of gear.  
• When possible, stop or decrease use of consumer products that contain PFAS, such as stain-resistant products and food packaging materials.  
• Pay attention to advisories about food consumption regarding PFAS, such as local fish advisories.  
• Firefighters with concerns about how PFAS detected in their blood could affect their health should share their individual PFAS results with their health care provider and make them aware of the ATSDR resources for clinicians. They will help you determine whether any personalized medical action may be needed.

MDHHS will continue to analyze the PFOMS project data to explore activities and behaviors that may contribute to PFAS exposure disparities among different members of the firefighting community.

Visit Michigan.gov/DEHBio or call 844-464-7327 for more information on the PFOMS project and other MDHHS biomonitoring projects and studies.