Michigan Health Department releases findings about project on contaminants in firefighters’ blood

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LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released findings from a project to determine concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood of Michigan firefighters.
The project launched in 2021 and collected data from April 2021 through September 2023.
The PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance (PFOMS) project is a statewide initiative.
A survey measures the amount of PFAS in blood samples and collects information about possible exposures.
Firefighters have higher risk than the general public of being exposed to PFAS due to firefighting foam, PFAS-treated protective clothing, and contaminated equipment and station dust.
Firefighters also experience the same exposures to PFAS as the general public through drinking water and contaminated food with PFAS.
“The findings of this report provide valuable insights into PFAS exposure among Michigan firefighters and will help us better understand firefighters’ exposure to PFAS.”Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, said chief medical executive.

MDHHS is hosting two online webinars to review the study
The first is on Wednesday, June 3, at 12 p.m. Register online for the webinar.
The second is on Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m. Register online for the webinar.
Findings in the report:
Confirmed concentrations for 13 types of PFAS, such as PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS, in the blood of Michigan firefighters.

Detected PFAS known to be found in PFAS-containing foam, such as PFOS and PFHxS, in more than 95% of Michigan firefighters.

Recommendations for fire departments and fighters:
Fire departments should follow federal and state recommendations and report the use of PFAS-containing foam.

Firefighters should follow all guidelines for use of personal protective equipment, decontamination after fire responses and routine cleaning of gear.

When possible, stop or decrease use of consumer products that contain PFAS, such as stain-resistant products and food packaging materials.

Pay attention to advisories about food consumption regarding PFAS, such as local fish advisories.

Firefighters worried about their health should share PFAS results with a health care provider and make them aware of the ATSDR resources for clinicians to help you determine whether any medical action is needed.

MDHHS will continue to analyze the PFOMS project data to explore activities and behaviors that may contribute to PFAS exposure disparities among different members of the firefighting community.
For more information the report, brief and more about the findings can be found online at Michigan.gov/DEHBio or call 844-464-7327.