What Does the New Study Reveal About ‘Forever Chemicals’ and Skin Absorption?

Firefighters nationwide have been fighting an uphill battle in their lawsuits against manufacturers of firefighting foams containing toxic PFAS chemicals. Now, a groundbreaking new study on how these “forever chemicals” are absorbed through human skin may turn the tide in their favor.

In this article, we’ll examine what the study revealed about PFAS skin absorption and how it could strengthen firefighter lawsuits.

Firefighters Face Concerning Risks from ‘Forever Chemicals’

To understand the gravity of the situation, let us look at a real story. 

Lieutenant Jay Leach helped remove buckets of firefighting foam known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) from a fire station in Bellbrook, Ohio. This foam is very effective at extinguishing fires but contains PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to various cancers.

“Most firefighters accept the inherent dangers of the job, but we had no idea the equipment we use could be making us sick,” Leach said. 

The threat of cancer hits close to home for Leach. His wife Tracy served 25 years as a firefighter despite no family history of the disease. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and passed away in December 2022, just two weeks after being designated terminal. “It ravaged her body,” Leach remarked. While he can’t prove the cause was PFAS, he firmly believes they were responsible.

As per CBS News, removing the AFFF buckets provided Leach some relief. Safer foam alternatives exist, but tens of thousands of gallons remain in fire stations nationwide. Thirty-four states have taken steps to restrict AFFF use, and Ohio plans to destroy its stockpile entirely.

However, PFAS aren’t just present in foam. They’ve also been used for decades in other firefighter gear to protect against water and contaminants.

New Evidence Proves that PFAS Can Enter Body Through Skin Contact

The study by the University of Birmingham sought to test whether PFAS, a class of toxic chemicals, can be absorbed through human skin. PFAS are widely used in industries and consumer products for their water—and stain-resistant properties.

Previous research had suggested PFAS are unable to penetrate the skin barrier due to their ionized molecular structure. However, some newer studies hinted they may enter the body through skin exposure to personal care products.

In this research, scientists examined 17 commonly used PFAS chemicals. Using 3D models of human skin tissues grown in the lab, they applied samples of each chemical to measure absorption rates.

The findings showed that 15 of the 17 PFAS studied were readily absorbed through the skin. These chemicals were absorbed at levels of at least 5% of the applied dose. Absorption seemed related to molecular chain length, with shorter chains penetrating more easily.

This provides evidence that skin exposure could represent a significant route of exposure to these harmful chemicals. Given the widespread uses of PFAS, the researchers stress the importance of further evaluating risks from existing and replacement PFAS varieties. They emphasize the need for individual and cumulative exposure studies.

However, environmental scientist Miriam Smith notes that real human skin may interact with these chemicals differently than models. She notes that key skin characteristics like thickness and permeability vary in different body regions, so exposure location could impact absorption rate.

As per Science News, the experiment also used PFAS concentrations higher than typical environmental exposures. The researchers applied elevated doses to more easily track chemical movement rather than mimic actual human exposure levels.

Still, toxicologist Rachel Johnson emphasizes the importance of consumers understanding potential PFAS sources that contact the skin. As she observes, clothes are worn for extended periods each day, so textiles containing PFAS introduce a pathway for continual low-level exposure over time. While the study examined higher amounts than real-life scenarios, trace absorption through clothing remains a potential risk even at environmental concentrations. 

The main takeaway is public awareness of PFAS presence in various consumer products, which can help limit unintended ingestion and uptake through the skin.

The study also helps further scientific understanding of PFAS toxicology and highlights the need for continued research on chemical safety. It suggests skin absorption was previously underestimated as an exposure pathway for these persistent organic pollutants.

Legislative Developments to Curb PFAS in Firefighting Equipment and Products

As concerns mount over health risks from PFAS exposure, state legislatures and regulators are pursuing various initiatives. These initiatives aim to remove these chemicals in firefighting gear and foam.

In Massachusetts, the state Senate has approved a ban on PFAS in firefighter PPE, with a proposed effective date of January 1, 2027. This action aims to eliminate a potential route of prolonged chemical exposure. Meanwhile, firefighter unions are urgently lobbying the House and governor for quicker enactment.

As per TorHoerman Law, Alaska has instituted new rules requiring departments to stop using PFAS-containing firefighting foam by 2025. The legislation also creates a system for safely disposing of stockpiled foam and compensating rural communities for the costs.

Also, litigation activity around the known PFAS dangers remains intense. Connecticut has seen two additional fire departments join ongoing multidistrict lawsuits brought by thousands of plaintiffs against prominent manufacturers 3M and DuPont. The AFFF foam lawsuit alleges PFAS in turnout gear posed cancer risks.

As scientific understanding of toxic PFAS properties grows, efforts to curb their use in fire protection are expanding. These efforts are poised to increase across diverse policy and legal fronts nationwide. Regulators are working to phase out ongoing sources of environmental contamination and reduce risks to firefighters.

FAQs

1. What’s the latest regulation on PFAS in drinking water?

A: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced a groundbreaking national regulation in April 2024 to address PFAS in drinking water. This legally binding standard aims to safeguard public health by reducing PFAS exposure for a significant portion of the population. It has the potential to save thousands of lives and prevent numerous serious health issues.

2. Which method is effective in breaking down PFAS?

A: A promising technique for PFAS destruction is electrochemical oxidation. This process generates oxidizing agents, like hydroxyl radicals, that can break apart PFAS molecules. The method has shown particular effectiveness against long-chain PFAS compounds with eight or more fully fluorinated carbon atoms, with destruction rates exceeding 99%.

3. How does the human body eliminate PFAS? 

A: The primary route for PFAS elimination from the body is through urine, though this process can be slow. People with kidney problems may have a reduced capacity to excrete PFAS compared to those with healthy renal function. Some PFAS can also be eliminated through menstrual blood, potentially leading to higher overall excretion rates compared to non-menstruating individuals.

Ultimately, this new study adds vital scientific support as litigation and regulations ramp up to curb PFAS dangers. It bolsters efforts to transition away from toxic forever chemicals. While more work is still needed, the findings suggest that reevaluating current safety measures and replacement chemicals is prudent.