Firefighter’s PFAS testing

PFAS (per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of man-made “forever chemicals”. They have long been used in manufacturing for their useful chemical properties, such as being non-stick and being able to repel water. The unique properties of PFAS saw them used in numerous firefighting applications. For decades, they have been the key ingredient in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) used to fight fuel fires. They are also extensively used in the manufacture of firefighter’s turnout gear to improve heat transfer and moisture wicking.

Evidence is increasingly linking PFAS exposure to significant adverse health outcomes. These include several forms of cancer as well as reproductive health issues and organ damage among others. As a result, it is important to understand which PFAS substances are present in your body and in what quantities. 

The Relentless Health PFAS Core Panel includes analysis of your blood for 18 different PFAS chemicals. Eight of the PFAS compounds are the same ones tracked by The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES):

• PFHxS Perfluorohexane Sulfonate
• PFOA Perfluorooctanoic Acid
• PFHpS Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid
• PFNA Perfluorononanoic Acid
• PFOS Perfluorooctane Sulfonate
• PFDA Perfluorodecanoic Acid
• PFUnDA Perfluoroundecanoic acid
• N‐MeFOSAA 2‐(N‐Methyllperfluorooctanesulfonamido) acetic acid

The test also includes 10 other PFAS compounds that are commonly used in various consumer products and industrial processes, as well as found in some drinking water and the environment. 

The unique properties of PFAS saw them used in numerous firefighting applications. For decades, they have been the key ingredient in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) used to fight fuel fires. They are used in the manufacture of firefighter’s turnout gear to improve heat transfer and moisture wicking, as well as to make the outer layers of the turnout gear grease and oil resistant. Researchers from NIST have identified large numbers of different PFAS in turnout gear. The PFAS Core Panel can identify up to 18 of these compounds. Additionally, modern buildings are full of PFAS in both the construction materials and furnishings. This means there is a high risk of PFAS exposure during structural fires.

ARFF involves significant exposure to AFFF foams both in training and operationally. Most AFFF is now PFAS-free but not all airports will have completed decontamination. So, older AFFF may still be present in pipes, groundwater, and soil. Many of the compounds used in older foams take years to leave your body, so you should definitely get tested. And like all firefighters, you are still exposed to PFAS in your turnout gear as well as the PFAS compounds released during any fire.

Taking the Relentless Health test is very simple and typically painless. In order to get a few drops of blood, you do need to use the provided lancet to prick the tip of your finger. For some, this is completely painless, and for others, it might feel like a sting that goes away after a few seconds.

Relentless Health has developed a minimally invasive test for PFAS. We provide this testing for firefighters and other first responders. Our lab developed tests can identify the presence of PFAS within your body. We collect a few drops of blood from one of your finger tips using a special sampling device. This is then sent to our central laboratory where we use advanced liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify 18 PFAS compounds. We focus on compounds that are found in turnout gear and AFFF. The test results are available a few days after the sample is sent to the lab.

The Relentless Health PFAS test tells you whether you have detectable levels of specific PFAS chemicals in your blood, as well as the concentration of each detected PFAS chemical in “ng/mL” (nanograms per milliliter). Each test includes a guide with recommendations on how to reduce PFAS exposure at home and in the workplace.

The Relentless Health PFAS test is designed as a research tool to help you monitor your exposure to PFAS in your environment. It is not intended for use as a clinical diagnostic test. The test results will allow you to monitor your own exposure. Relentless Health is working to establish baseline levels across the population.

Relentless Health's toxin tests are available to be purchased and used by anyone in the United States, except for residents of the state of New York. This is due to New York's state regulations for lab testing. We hope to make our tests available in NY soon.