OnFire

Investigation of human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and its potential risk of thyroid cancer and related health outcomes

Cancer amongst firefighters is an international topic of interest and in anticipating of increasing wildfire activities in future, demand in firefighting services will increase, which calls for better understanding of the potential negative health impacts firefighters are facing. Firefighters are not only exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons but also to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and other toxic or potentially toxic compounds during fire suppression operations when using fire fighting foams (or aqueous film forming foams), but also when conducting overhaul of turnout gear.

There are documented association between firefighters’ exposure and certain types of cancers. In this study we aim to investigate the influence of PFASs on risk of thyroid cancer development and related health outcomes. Within the project we will perform sampling and analysis of blood serum and urine in a group of firefighters to monitor concentration levels and accumulation behavior of PFASs in their serum and correlate them with thyroid biomarkers in serum.

OnFire project aims to provide valuable information with the aim to monitor firefighters’ occupational exposure and help with the risk assessment.