[Report] Notes from the Field: Serum Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Among First Responders to the Maui Wildfires - Hawaii, September 2023
By Catherine C Beaucham, Rachel Zeiler, Kenneth Fent, Sophia K Chiu, Nicholas Somerville, Alexander Mayer, Jessica L Rinsky, and Cheryl Estill
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
February 6, 2025
DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7403a1
Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), present in some firefighting foams and routine firefighting activities, can increase the risk for occupational PFAS exposure among firefighters and are associated with cancer and other adverse health outcomes.
What is added by this report?
Median summed concentrations of selected PFAS among Maui County, Hawaii employees approximately 1 month after the 2023 Maui wildfires were higher among firefighters than among other responder groups. Sources other than the wildfires could have contributed to the levels.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Further research is needed to better understand the occupational risk among groups responding to wildfire disasters. Rostering responders, tracking response activities and personal protective equipment use, and monitoring health could improve the understanding of chemical exposures and guide prevention strategies.
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