From the latest updates on news.nd.edu:
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame are embarking on a comprehensive investigation into the turnout gear worn by firefighters after preliminary tests revealed traces of fluorine. Leading this initiative is Graham Peaslee, a renowned professor of experimental nuclear physics. His team sampled unused personal protective equipment and discovered unexpectedly high levels of perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) in nearly all the pieces examined.
"The results were astonishing—nearly off the charts in terms of fluorine concentration," Peaslee explained. "Almost every single sample showed an overwhelming presence of fluorine." Building on these findings, Peaslee is now spearheading a broader study that will analyze both new and used turnout gear distributed over the past two decades. This includes jackets, trousers, and undershirts, some of which have been in active duty for more than ten years.
PFASs have been previously linked to serious health issues such as prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers, along with thyroid disorders and low birth weight. These chemicals are widely used in creating stain-resistant materials and nonstick cookware. In 2017, Peaslee collaborated with other scientists to detect PFASs in fast-food packaging, marking another significant discovery in understanding their prevalence.
These substances are also found in aqueous film-forming foams, which are employed as fire suppressants. However, these foams have been implicated in water contamination incidents. In Michigan, where several towns have identified their water supply contamination to the use of these foams, local fire departments are exploring alternatives to reduce reliance on PFAS-based formulations. The U.S. Air Force began transitioning away from PFAS-containing foams in 2016, completing the switch to environmentally friendly substitutes by 2017.
To detect PFASs, Peaslee's laboratory employs particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy, a technique he pioneered for its efficiency and affordability in assessing total fluorine levels. For this project, Peaslee and his students aim to quantify the PFAS content in the gear and determine how much might leach over time and usage.
"We'll measure each piece of gear to observe changes in fluorine levels over extended periods, including after washing," he stated. "We’ll also examine whether any of the chemical can transfer onto other surfaces. It would be crucial to compare the fluorine content in newly washed gear with older ones. Additionally, we’ll test the washwater itself. By exposing fabric samples to heat and light, we can assess if the chemical bonds degrade."
Peaslee is particularly concerned about the potential breakdown of these chemical bonds in fabrics and the subsequent release of PFASs. Given their persistence and long half-lives, these substances can linger in the environment for decades, accumulating in soil or the human body. While it remains unclear if PFASs can permeate the skin through contact, Peaslee co-authored a 2017 study using mouse models to trace specific PFAS compounds. The outcomes suggested that short-chain PFASs could accumulate in vital organs like the brain and stomach.
"If our tests show a noticeable reduction in fluorine levels, it would indicate that PFASs have entered the environment," Peaslee noted. "This environment includes the workplaces and homes of these firefighters. Such a revelation would warrant further attention. I believe this is a study worth pursuing."
Peaslee's work on PFASs in firefighter gear has been carried out voluntarily, without compensation.
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