Dr. Graham Peaslee

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related chemicals have been a topic in the fire service, with limited hard data on their effects on firefighter health and safety. But now the data is being presented. Thanks to a recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters, Led by Dr. Graham Peaslee, we now are able to see the data behind how PFOA is affecting firefighters. Read Dr. Peaslee’s full research study in Environment Science & Technology and its supporting information to learn more about firefighter exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in firefighter textiles.

In an interview with Frank Ricci, P.J. Norwood, Professor Graham Peaslee, and Attorney Robert Bilott, they discuss cancer-causing toxins and your firefighter PPE. You can watch the full interview to learn more about how your protective equipment may be negatively impacting you and what you can and should be doing to reduce the risk.

In addition, Notre Dame News released an article Gear treated with ‘forever chemicals’ poses risk to firefighters which outlines additional information about the study, and the team conducting the research.