How UA and TFD measure toxic chemicals in firefighters across the country

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Tucson Fire Department and the University of Arizona have been partnering for nearly a decade to study how a firefighter’s job increases their risk for serious health problems, such as cancer.

His research has led to nationwide safety changes in the firefighting industry and the recognition of more cancers believed to be caused on the job.

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Researchers have previously found that firefighters tend to have about 20% higher levels of toxic PFAS chemicals, or “forever chemicals,” in their systems.

That’s according to Dr. Jeff Burgess, a professor in the UA’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health.

In one of about a dozen studies that began as part of the Firefighter 30-Year Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS) that began in 2016, UA researchers are studying those PFAS levels in firefighters, what causes those elevated numbers and possible ways to reduce PFAS levels.

“We know that these chemicals can have a whole range of adverse health effects, including but not limited to cancer,” said Burgess, who is the principal investigator of the UA’s research on firefighter health.

In addition to surveys of firefighters asking about their family history and health habits, Burgess’ team has been taking blood and urine samples from firefighters for more than a year.

“We will measure their PFAS levels and report back to them,” he said. “For a few years now, we can tell them: if you have this level, this is what you should do… For example, additional tests to detect cancers. They can see what additional tests they should do.”

The study began in Arizona and has now enrolled more than 1,500 firefighters across the country, from departments in states including Massachusetts, Idaho and California.

The goal is to complete the registration by the end of this year with around 2,000 firefighters.

TFD Safety and Wellness Capt. John Gulotta, who led the critical research in 2014, traveled to California this month. He enrolled dozens of Los Angeles city firefighters in the study this week.

“They didn’t really understand what PFAS was,” said Gulotta, who is now also a research liaison with the UA.

He says it is crucial to educate firefighters about chemicals and recover their personal data.

“It makes them feel a little bit better to have the ability to participate in their own health and well-being,” she said.

Firefighters like TFD’s Stuart Sherman may enter a second part of the study, tracking how blood or plasma donations can potentially remove PFAS from the body.

Burgess says about one-fifth of firefighters have levels high enough to be asked to participate in the PFAS reduction study.

“The PFAS levels in my blood were at the high end of what they’ve found so far in a human,” Sherman said, smiling.

“This month they completed the first year of their study on blood donation,” he added. “And they found that the reduction is about 30 percent each time.”

Researchers are also looking at whether intermittent fasting or “Zone 2” workouts (long workouts at a comfortable effort) can reduce PFAS levels.