Comparison of Serum PFAS Concentrations in Incumbent and Recruit Firefighters and Longitudinal Assessment in Recruits
By Amy J Nematollahi, Julia M Fisher, Melissa A Furlong, Paloma I Beamer, Jaclyn M Goodrich, Judith M Graber, Antonia M Calafat, Julianne Cook Botelho, Shawn C Beitel, Sally R Littau, John J Gulotta, Darin D Wallentine, and Jefferey L Burgess
J Occup Environ Med
November 28, 2023
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003020
Objective
Firefighters are occupationally exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This study objective was to compare serum PFAS concentrations in incumbent and recruit firefighters and evaluate temporal trends among recruits.
Methods
Serum PFAS concentrations were measured in 99 incumbent and 55 recruit firefighters at enrollment in 2015-2016, with follow-up 20-37 months later for recruits. Linear and logistic regression and linear mixed-effects models were used for analyses. Fireground exposure impact on PFAS concentrations was investigated using adjusted linear and logistic regression models.
Results
Incumbents had lower n-PFOA and PFNA than recruits and most PFAS significantly decreased over time among male recruits. No significant links were found between cumulative fireground exposures and PFAS concentrations.
Conclusions
Serum PFAS concentrations were not increased in incumbent firefighters compared with recruits and were not associated with cumulative fireground exposures.
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