PFAS Testing
About the PFAS Testing Pilot Program
In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly appropriated $200,000 to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to establish a pilot program to determine if firefighters in Indiana have per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, “PFAS, which are ubiquitous in manufactured products due to their oil- and water-resistant properties, do not break down easily and persist in our bodies and the environment, earning them the moniker of 'forever chemicals.' These suspected carcinogens have found their way into the bodies of most Americans. However, researchers have shown that firefighters are burdened by comparatively high levels of at least one type of PFAS.”[1] The U.S. Fire Administration states firefighters are at a higher risk due to exposure from protective gear, products of combustion, and some firefighter foams.[2]
IDHS is creating a voluntary program where firefighters in Indiana can apply to have their blood tested for PFAS free of charge. The results will be shared with the individual firefighter. The de-identified data collected from the pilot program will be analyzed by IDHS and other state agencies to determine how to better protect Indiana’s firefighters from PFAS exposure.
More information will be available on this program in early 2024.
[1] NIST: Researchers Pin Down PFAS Prevalence in Firefighter Gear
[2] US Fire Administration: Firefighters: Donating Blood May Reduce PFAS Levels in Your Blood
Sign Up for Updates
The application to participate in the program is not available yet. Current or former Indiana firefighters who are interested in participating in the program should sign up to receive future notification about the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to participate?
Current or former Indiana firefighters are eligible to participate.
- Can volunteer firefighters apply?
Yes, volunteer firefighters may apply to participate.
- What is the purpose of the program?
The purpose of the pilot program is to provide Indiana firefighters the opportunity to test their blood for the presence of PFAS. The results can guide the firefighter in how to proactively monitor their health now and in the future. Additionally, the pilot program will give Indiana data regarding the level of PFAS in the body of Hoosier firefighters. This information can guide state and local policy-makers to better protect Hoosier firefighters.
- Can my fire department apply on my behalf?
No, due to the sensitive nature of personal health information, only an individual can apply.
- What can I expect if I am selected to participate in the pilot program?
If selected, IDHS will contact you to provide additional details.
- What is the cost to participate in the pilot program?
There is no cost to participate in the pilot program.
- What is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals manufactured to resist grease, water, heat, and oil. PFAS chemicals have been used since the 1940’s and are used in hundreds of products, such as stain and water-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, carpeting, and fire-fighting foams. The chemicals produce a carbon-fluorine bond which is very strong and does not break down easily. Because of the widespread use of PFAS and its strong chemical structure, PFAS has been found in air, water, soil, and blood in humans an animals. Exposure and bioaccumulation of PFAS has been associated with serious health issues, such as reproductive and developmental effects, increased risk for certain types of cancers, reduced immune system, interference with hormones, and increased cholesterol.
Source: Food and Drug Administration
- Why are firefighters at an increased risk of exposure to PFAS?
Firefighters are at an increased risk of exposure to PFAS due to their gear, equipment, and exposure from burning materials. PFAS has been found in Class B aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), turnout gear, and dust in fire stations.
Source: PFAS-REACH
- Where can I learn more about PFAS exposure in the fire service?
- What will my PFAS blood test results tell me about my health?
The results will measure if certain types of PFAS chemicals are present in your blood at the time of the test. Results can be shared with your doctor and used as a guide to monitor health impacts associated with PFAS exposure. The results will not determine the cause of the PFAS exposure or if any health conditions you are currently experiencing or may experience in the future are definitively tied to PFAS exposure.