From recent reports on news.nd.edu:
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame are embarking on a detailed investigation into the turnout gear used by firefighters after preliminary tests revealed traces of fluorine in the materials. Graham Peaslee, a professor of experimental nuclear physics at Notre Dame, along with his team, examined fabric samples taken from unused personal protective equipment to detect the presence of perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs).
"The results were astonishing—nearly every sample showed extremely high levels of fluorine, sometimes off the charts in parts per million," Peaslee stated. "It was clear that these fabrics were heavily treated with PFASs." Following the initial findings, Peaslee is now heading a comprehensive study focused on both new and previously used turnout gear distributed across the 2000s. This includes jackets, trousers, and undershirts, some of which are brand new while others have been in active service for over a decade.
Different forms of PFASs have been connected to serious health issues such as prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers, as well as thyroid disorders and low birth weight. These chemicals are often found in stain-resistant products and are frequently used in the production of nonstick cookware. In 2017, Peaslee was among a group of researchers who discovered PFASs in fast-food wrappers.
These substances are also part of aqueous film-forming foams, widely used as fire suppressants. Such foams have been linked to instances of contaminated drinking water. In Michigan, several communities have traced their water contamination back to the use of these foams, prompting some fire departments to seek alternatives or reduce reliance on PFAS-containing formulations whenever possible. The U.S. Air Force began transitioning away from PFAS-based foams toward more eco-friendly options in 2016 and completed the switch in 2017.
To detect PFASs, Peaslee's laboratory employs particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy, a unique and advanced technique he pioneered as an efficient and economical method for analyzing total fluorine content. For this latest study, Peaslee and his students aim to assess the quantity of PFASs present and whether they leach out over time and usage.
"We're going to measure each piece of gear and observe changes in fluorine content over prolonged periods and heavy use, including after washing. We'll also check how much of the chemical might transfer from the fabric," Peaslee explained. "For instance, does washing new gear result in fluorine levels similar to those seen in older gear? Additionally, we can analyze the washwater itself. We’ll expose fabric swatches to heat and light to determine if the fluorine content alters or if the chemical bonds break down."
The degradation of these chemical bonds within textiles and the potential release of PFASs are major concerns for Peaslee. PFASs are notoriously persistent, with exceptionally long half-lives, meaning they persist in the environment for extended periods, either accumulating in soil or the human body.
While scientists haven't yet determined whether PFASs can transfer to the human body merely through skin contact, Peaslee co-authored a study in 2017 introducing a method to track specific PFASs in mouse models. The outcomes suggested that certain PFASs, like short-chain compounds, may accumulate in various organs including the brain and stomach.
"If our measurements show a noticeable decline, it implies the PFAS has entered the environment," Peaslee noted. "This environment encompasses the workplaces of these firefighters and the places they call home. It would be a significant discovery. I believe this is a study that must be carried out."
Peaslee's research on PFASs in turnout gear has been undertaken voluntarily without compensation.
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