Importance of Reducing PFAS Levels for Firefighter Health

Importance of Reducing PFAS Levels for Firefighter Health

Firefighters face unique health challenges due to their occupational exposure to hazardous substances, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Recent studies have highlighted the alarming prevalence of PFAS in firefighters, with elevated serum levels compared to the general population. PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment and human body, leading to significant health risks, including various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and accelerated aging (Leung et al., 2025).

The link between PFAS exposure and health outcomes is particularly concerning when considering that occupational cancer and acute cardiac events are leading causes of death among firefighters. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified firefighting as a group 1 carcinogenic occupation due to these exposures (Leung et al., 2025). Regular blood and plasma donations have emerged as potential strategies to reduce PFAS levels in firefighters, offering a dual benefit of improving health outcomes while lowering the toxic burden of these substances (Leung et al., 2025).

Overview of Study Interventions for Firefighter Wellness

The Firefighter Collaborative Research Project (FCRP) aims to evaluate the effectiveness of several interventions designed to mitigate PFAS exposure and enhance overall health and wellness among firefighters. The study includes three primary interventions:

1. Blood and Plasma Donation: Participants are encouraged to donate blood or plasma regularly, which has been shown to reduce serum PFAS levels significantly. Blood donations can remove harmful toxins from the body, contributing to improved health outcomes.

2. Zone 2 Physical Activity: This intervention promotes continuous, moderate aerobic activity that corresponds to the near lactate threshold. Engaging in zone 2 exercise has been linked to enhanced cardiovascular health, which is crucial for firefighters given their physically demanding roles.

3. Intermittent Fasting: This dietary approach involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. Evidence suggests that intermittent fasting can slow epigenetic aging and improve metabolic health, which are critical for enhancing firefighter longevity and performance.

Each of these interventions is supported by evidence suggesting their efficacy in reducing health risks associated with PFAS and promoting better overall health in firefighters.

The Role of Blood and Plasma Donation in Reducing PFAS

Blood and plasma donation serves as a vital method for reducing PFAS levels in the body. A randomized controlled trial conducted among firefighters in Australia demonstrated that routine blood and plasma donation significantly decreased serum PFAS concentrations over a yearlong period. Plasma donation was found to be particularly effective, reducing mean PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) levels by approximately 24% (Leung et al., 2025).

Table 1 below summarizes the impact of blood and plasma donations on PFAS levels based on the Australian study:

The reduction in PFAS levels through blood donation not only aids in detoxification but also promotes healthier blood profiles, which is essential for maintaining optimal health in firefighters exposed to numerous toxins daily.

Benefits of Zone 2 Physical Activity for Cardiovascular Health

Engaging in Zone 2 physical activity is identified as an effective approach to improving cardiovascular health, particularly for firefighters who often experience increased stress on their cardiovascular systems due to the nature of their work. Research indicates that moderate-intensity aerobic activity helps enhance cardiovascular conditioning, which can lead to better health outcomes, including lower risks of heart disease and improved metabolic function.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults, which can significantly improve cardiovascular fitness (Leung et al., 2025). Zone 2 exercise, such as brisk walking or light jogging, is particularly effective as it optimally conditions the heart without overexerting firefighters, making it a practical intervention for their demanding physical requirements.

Impact of Intermittent Fasting on Epigenetic Aging in Firefighters

Intermittent fasting has been shown to have promising effects on reducing epigenetic age acceleration, a vital factor in the overall health and longevity of firefighters. Epigenetic age, often assessed through DNA methylation patterns, can provide insight into an individual’s biological age and susceptibility to age-related diseases. Recent studies indicate that caloric restriction and intermittent fasting can positively influence biological aging markers (Leung et al., 2025).

In a pilot study, participants who engaged in caloric restriction for specific periods demonstrated an average reduction of 2.5 years in biological age, suggesting that intermittent fasting may serve as a viable strategy to enhance health outcomes in firefighters, potentially mitigating their risk for diseases associated with aging and occupational exposure.

Conclusion

The Firefighter Collaborative Research Project aims to advance the understanding of how specific interventions can improve health outcomes among firefighters by focusing on reducing PFAS levels, enhancing cardiovascular health through zone 2 physical activity, and mitigating epigenetic aging via intermittent fasting. These strategies not only target the immediate health concerns faced by firefighters but also offer a proactive approach towards sustaining their long-term health and wellness.

FAQ

What are PFAS, and why are they a concern for firefighters?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and human body. They are linked to various health issues, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and immune system effects.

How does blood donation help reduce PFAS levels?
Blood donation can help remove PFAS from the bloodstream, leading to lower serum concentrations and potentially improved health outcomes.

What is zone 2 physical activity?
Zone 2 physical activity refers to moderate-intensity exercise that elevates the heart rate to a range that enhances cardiovascular fitness without causing excessive strain.

How does intermittent fasting benefit firefighters?
Intermittent fasting may slow epigenetic aging and improve metabolic health, which can enhance overall well-being and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.

References

1. Leung, T., Jung, A. M., Bello, A., Ormond, R. B., Conner, R., Porter, C. M., Lutrick, K., Beitel, S. C., Hollister, J., Healy, O., Kern, K. J., Wardenaar, F., Gulotta, J. J., Kepra, K., Huentelman, M., Burgess, J. L., & Furlong, M. (2025). Interventions to Reduce Serum Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances Levels, Improve Cardiovascular Risk Profiles, and Improve Epigenetic Age Acceleration in US Firefighters: Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Research Protocols. https://doi.org/10.2196/67120