Often, workers contact PFAS chemicals without knowing they are being exposed to these dangerous chemicals. Investigators study work exposures to PFAS to figure out whether it affects human health and to protect workers from further harm. Scientists have become alarmed that workers exposed to PFAS have a higher risk of kidney, testicular, and liver cancer.
At-Risk Jobs
Fully understanding PFAS exposure and kidney cancer risk requires recognizing at-risk occupations. Certain occupations involve higher levels of exposure to PFAS due to the nature of the work, potentially elevating the risk of kidney cancer. Examples of high-risk occupations include:
- Firefighters
- Industrial workers
- Manufacturing
- Oilfield drilling
- Airport workers
Because these workers may directly encounter PFAS on the job and not know it, these workers may be exposed to high levels. Workers sustain exposure by breathing, ingesting, and absorbing PFAS into their bodies. Researchers continue to explore the correlation between occupational exposure to PFAS and risk of cancer.
Firefighter Cancer Risks: Protecting Those at the Frontlines
Considering the potential impact of occupational exposure, it becomes crucial to find at-risk occupations associated with elevated PFAS exposure. For example, firefighters face exposure due to the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. Moreover, firefighters sustain exposure through turnout gear having PFAS. Additionally, dust holding PFAS accumulates in the firehouses where firefighters eat, sleep, and work.
Airport Worker PFAS Exposures
Airport workers sustain exposure through fire and evacuation training. Training often involves airport personnel going into planes while firefighters spray foam to simulate a crash and evacuation. Further, if an emergency, airport workers enter aircraft to remove luggage and cargo. They may also clean up planes that were sprayed with substantial amounts of firefighting foam. Because chemical companies manufacturing firefighting foam did not warn of the danger posed by exposure to their product, airport workers did not protect themselves from PFAS exposures and employers did not provide protective equipment to employees.
Urgent Action Needed
As scientific knowledge grows, stringent occupational safety guidelines to minimize PFAS exposure in at risk professions becomes increasingly urgent. The evolving scientific evidence will help to guide regulators, unions, and employers to better protect workers at risk of exposure to PFAS chemicals.
