Firefighters Get PFAS From Every Direction

Firefighters are getting dosed with PFAS from their gear, their foam, their fire stations, their water, and even their military service. It's coming from everywhere.

Multiple Sources, All Significant

A 2026 study in J Occup Environ Med tested career firefighters from three Arizona departments and identified predictors of their blood PFAS levels. The list of significant factors is long.

Turnout gear storage and transport, post-fire decontamination practices, use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), carpet in fire station living quarters, drinking water source, military service, rank, and blood/plasma donation all predicted at least one PFAS compound.

Contamination at Work and at Home

It's not just what happens at a fire scene. How gear is stored, what's on the floor of the firehouse, and what comes out of the tap all contribute. Firefighters live and sleep in their stations. PFAS-contaminated environments become 24-hour exposure zones.

Why This Matters Beyond Firefighters

Firefighters are a canary in the coal mine. If PFAS gets into their blood from gear, carpets, and water, the same sources affect everyone. The difference is degree of exposure.

What You Can Do

If you're a firefighter, advocate for PFAS-free gear and foam. For everyone: filter your drinking water, remove old carpets, and explore non-toxic home essentials to reduce PFAS in your living space.

Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.

Source: Conner et al. (2026). J Occup Environ Med.