PFAS Response
MDHHS launches biomonitoring project to assess Michigan firefighter PFAS exposure
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2021
LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Environmental Health recently launched the PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance (PFOMS) project. During this multi-year project, MDHHS will assess Michigan firefighters average exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - chemicals commonly found in Class B firefighting foams used to fight fires involving gasoline, oil and jet fuel. The findings will help inform activities to minimize firefighters exposure to PFAS, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. Emerging science continues to reveal the effects that PFAS can have on human health, and the firefighters who participate in the PFOMS project will contribute to our understanding of PFAS exposure among firefighters.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently launched a multi-year project to assess firefighters’ exposure to PFAS in firefighting foams used to fight fires involving gasoline, oil and jet fuel.
MDHHS launches project to probe firefighter PFAS exposure
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Lansing Michigan is launching a new project dedicated to investigating firefighter exposure to PFAS chemicals as part of an effort to establish safety protocols, the state said.
The PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance program has started recruiting career and volunteer firefighters who work for airport fire stations as well as randomly selected fire department across the state, according to a release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
“The findings will help inform activities to minimize firefighters’ exposure to PFAS,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS, said in a statement. Emerging science continues to reveal the effects that PFAS can have on human health, and the firefighters who participate in the PFOMS project will contribute to our understanding of PFAS exposure among firefighters.”
Battle Creek Fire department (Photo by John McNeil)
LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division of Environmental Health recently launched the PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance (PFOMS) project.
During this multi-year project, MDHHS will assess Michigan firefightersâ average exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemicals commonly found in Class B firefighting foams used to fight fires involving gasoline, oil and jet fuel.
These chemicals are also known as “forever chemicals” because of their resistance to breaking down in the environment. They have also been linked to a number of adverse health effects.