The concept of “flushing out your blood” like an oil change for your car has been gaining steam in some circles. We are constantly bombarded with microplastics, heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins in our environment. By donating blood, could we remove some of those toxic chemicals and replenish our bodies with new blood cells? At least when it comes to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” a clinical trial showed that regular blood or plasma donations can reduce PFAS levels.
Reducing PFAS through lifestyle changes
First, let’s discuss other, less drastic ways to potentially reduce PFAS levels. We’ve written several articles about where PFAS may lurk in your daily lives. Your drinking water, in particular, could be a significant source of PFAS. Checking PFAS levels in your water and investing in water filters capable of removing PFAS is a sensible approach to reducing exposure. Food and beverage containers are also culprits in exposing us to PFAS. Making small changes to your routines to reduce packaging or food lining materials containing PFAS will make a difference. Stain-free and water-repellent furniture, clothing, and carpets are another key source of PFAS exposure. Some brands in this category are working to reduce or eliminate PFAS from their products. And last but not least, stop using non-stick pans that have PFAS coatings. Consumer Reports tested several PFAS-free cookware alternatives that performed well.
Blood and plasma donation reduces PFAS among firefighters
Firefighters are exposed to all sorts of hazardous chemicals as part of their work. PFAS chemicals are a major concern for firefighters because they are exposed at much higher levels than the general public. PFAS is found in toxic combustion products occurring in wildland and structural fires. PFAS is also emitted in the chemicals released from electrical, battery, and hazardous material fires. And then there’s the PFAS found in protective turnout gear that firefighters wear and the firefighting foams that they use to put out fires.
A group of researchers in Australia set out to understand whether blood or plasma donations could reduce PFAS levels in firefighters. They designed a robust clinical trial involving 285 firefighters that spanned 52 weeks. All of the study participants had PFOS levels higher than 5 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter). PFOS stands for perfluorooctane sulfonate, a type of PFAS chemical commonly used in firefighting foams.
The study participants were randomly assigned to three different groups:
- Blood donation group: Donate blood every 12 weeks (roughly every 3 months) for a year
- Plasma donation group: Donate plasma every 6 weeks for a year
- Control group: No blood or plasma donations made
For all three groups, the researchers measured PFOS and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) levels at the start of the study, and after 12 months at the end of the study. PFHxS is closely related to PFOS and is also used in firefighting foams.
What they found was very interesting. Both blood donation and plasma donation led to meaningful reductions in PFOS and PFHxS levels after 12 months. Plasma donation led to lower PFOS levels than blood donation, but both were quite a bit lower than not donating at all:
- The plasma donation group had 2.9 ng/mL reduction in PFOS
- The blood donation group had 1.1 ng/mL reduction in PFOS
- The control group did not see a significant change in PFOS
As to PFHxS, only the plasma donation group saw a decrease in PFHxS levels, which were lower by 1.1 ng/mL.
The study authors note that further research is needed to evaluate the clinical implications of these findings. To that end, another group of researchers is looking at whether blood donation works to reduce PFAS in firefighters. This study is through the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study, a wide-ranging effort to understand cancer among firefighters.
Of course, all research involving humans raises ethical conundrums. So, one needs to consider the ethics of donating high-PFAS blood. In this specific study, the “donated” blood or plasma wasn’t used like normal blood or plasma donations. But even had it been so, one could argue that any blood is useful if it saves another person’s life, and after all, PFAS levels are not (yet) part of the assessment for blood donation screening.
Measure and track your PFAS levels
Whether it’s small changes to your daily routine, changes in your occupational exposure, or even more drastic changes, it’s important to know your PFAS levels and track them over time. Relentless Health has developed an at-home PFAS test to help anyone who’s concerned about PFAS exposure.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this article or on the web site represents medical advice or an offer of medical, diagnostic, or treatment products or services. Anyone concerned about their health should consult a licensed medical professional.
