Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Related Topics
- Drinking Water
- Water Contaminants and Your Health
- Special Well and Boring Construction Areas
- Wells and Borings
- MDH Guidance
- Air Quality by Topic
Environmental Health Division
PFAS Biomonitoring for Minnesota Firefighters
Firefighters face higher risk of PFAS exposure than many people. Two main sources of exposure include:
- Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF): Used historically and in some current firefighting applications.
- Protective gear (turnout gear): routinely worn and handled, treated with PFAS.
These exposures are concerning because firefighters have repeated, long-term contact with these materials throughout their careers.
For more information, see:
MDH action: firefighters and PFAS exposure
In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature directed the Department of Health to prepare an expert report with best practices and recommendations for PFAS biomonitoring for Minnesota firefighters. While some other states have studied this issue, Minnesota is just beginning to collect data on how these chemical exposures affect firefighters at work.
Biomonitoring is a scientific way to measure chemical exposure in people. It involves analyzing blood or urine samples to see how much of a chemical, like PFAS, is in the body. PFAS can be measured in blood serum to help identify who may be more exposed and why.
Report
Best Practices for PFAS Biomonitoring in Firefighters
This report provides:
- Evidence-based methods and approaches to guide firefighter biomonitoring in Minnesota.
Input from firefighter associations and lessons from other state health departments that have undertaken similar work in California and Michigan.
Best-Practices for PFAS Biomonitoring in Firefighters Report (PDF)
Minnesota Firefighter PFAS Biomonitoring Project (2025-2028)
MDH is planning a voluntary biomonitoring project with Minnesota firefighters to put the report’s recommendations into practice.
About the project
Planning is underway with input from experts in occupational medicine, environmental health, and firefighter associations. Our experienced biomonitoring team in Environmental Health and the Public Health Laboratory will lead the work.
- The project runs from 2025-2028.
- It will establish baseline information on PFAS exposure for firefighters statewide.
- Factors under consideration include:
- Fire department size and resources.
- Volunteer vs. career firefighters, and other firefighting roles.
- Regional differences in firefighting work and conditions.
Contact us at FirefighterPFAS.MDH@state.mn.us.