Guides & Toolkits
PFAS &
Firefighters.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made compounds that persist in the environment and the human body.
Firefighters are at elevated risk of PFAS exposure through firefighting foams (AFFF), contaminated gear, and station environments. Emerging research links PFAS to serious health conditions, including certain cancers, liver damage, immune dysfunction, and reproductive harm. Because these chemicals can accumulate in the body over time without obvious symptoms, regular blood serum testing is a critical step in understanding exposure levels, guiding medical decisions, and advocating for safer working conditions.
This site is designed to help firefighters and their healthcare providers make informed choices about PFAS testing and long-term health protection.
Check out these important resources:
Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up
Firefighters may lower their PFAS levels by donating blood
NH passed legislation requiring insurance coverage for PFAS and PFC blood tests
WHO statement on PFOS in Drinking Water
Check out this at-home test for PFAS
Validating a Self-Collection Blood Test for PFAS
Comparing Self-Collection Blood Tests for PFAS
NOTE for Physicians:
ICD-10 code Z13.88 supports preventive testing (like PFAS blood serum testing) when exposure is suspected but not yet linked to a specific illness.
The test and CPT codes to order a laboratory blood draw will vary by state and insurance provider.