Best Practices for PFAS Biomonitoring in Firefighters

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in many consumer and industrial products. They are highly persistent in the environment, accumulate in humans, and have been linked to adverse health outcomes. Firefighters experience unique occupational exposures through wearing PFAS-containing turnout gear and applying firefighting foams. In 2023, the Minnesota legislature directed the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to evaluate PFAS exposure risks in firefighters and recommend best-practice protocols for a PFAS biomonitoring program. MDH engaged ERG to develop these protocols.

ERG conducted a comprehensive review of the peer-reviewed and gray literature and supplemented that information with insights from interviews with representatives from Minnesota firefighter organizations and principal investigators of other PFAS biomonitoring programs focused on firefighters. Using findings from this research and outreach, ERG developed evidence-based recommendations for conducting PFAS biomonitoring in firefighters. The recommendations addressed study design, recruitment and informed consent, exposure assessment, sample collection, laboratory analyses, data evaluation and interpretation, and communicating results to participants. The final report offers clear, actionable recommendations for developing PFAS biomonitoring programs for firefighters. MDH published the final report, Best Practices for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Biomonitoring in Firefighters, on their PFAS Biomonitoring for Minnesota Firefighters webpage.