PFAS Testing Program
Detecting the Invisible Threat
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are in the gear firefighters wear and the foam they use. Our PFAS blood testing program gives firefighters the knowledge to act before cancer develops.
What Is PFAS?
The Forever Chemicals Hiding in Plain Sight
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals that have been used in firefighting foam (AFFF), turnout gear, and other fire service equipment for decades. They are called 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down in the environment — or in the human body. Chronic PFAS exposure has been directly linked to multiple cancers, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, bladder cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Firefighters face some of the highest occupational PFAS exposure of any profession.
Certified Laboratory Testing
Measuring PFOA, PFOS, GenX & 30+ additional compounds
Why It Matters
Firefighters Are at the Frontline of PFAS Exposure
Every time a firefighter responds to a structural fire, trains with AFFF foam, or suits up in legacy turnout gear, they risk absorbing PFAS through their skin, lungs, and digestive system. Studies show that firefighters carry significantly higher PFAS blood serum levels than the general population — and those elevated levels correlate directly with increased cancer risk. Testing is the first step toward protection.
Gear Contamination
Legacy turnout gear contains PFAS in the outer shell, moisture barrier, and thermal liner. Wearing contaminated gear — especially near heat — accelerates dermal absorption.
AFFF Foam Exposure
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) used in training and live fire suppression is one of the most concentrated sources of PFAS exposure for firefighters.
Station Contamination
Fire stations themselves can harbor PFAS contamination from decades of foam use, gear storage, and equipment cleaning — creating ongoing low-level exposure even off-duty.
Cumulative Body Burden
PFAS accumulate in the body over time. A career firefighter may carry decades of chemical buildup — making early detection and monitoring critical.
Our Program
How the PFAS Testing Program Works
The Brotherhood of Firefighters Foundation partners with certified medical laboratories and occupational health specialists to provide accessible, affordable PFAS blood testing to active and retired firefighters. Our program is designed to remove every barrier between a firefighter and the information they need.
Register
Active and retired firefighters register through the foundation. No insurance required. Testing is provided free or at significantly reduced cost.
Blood Draw
A simple blood draw at a partnered lab or mobile testing event measures PFAS serum levels across the most critical compounds, including PFOA, PFOS, and GenX.
Results & Counseling
Results are reviewed with an occupational health specialist who explains what the numbers mean, what elevated levels indicate, and what steps to take next.
Follow-Up Care
Firefighters with elevated PFAS levels are connected to appropriate medical follow-up, including cancer screenings, specialist referrals, and ongoing monitoring.
Legacy turnout gear
A primary source of dermal PFAS absorption
Program Highlights
- Free or low-cost testing for active and retired firefighters
- Partnered with certified medical laboratories
- Results counseling with occupational health specialists
- Follow-up care coordination and specialist referrals
- Advocacy for PFAS-free equipment standards
- Mobile testing events deployed to fire stations
Beyond Testing
Fighting for Systemic Change
Testing is only part of the solution. The Brotherhood of Firefighters Foundation actively advocates for the elimination of PFAS from firefighting equipment, the adoption of PFAS-free turnout gear standards, and federal legislation that protects firefighters from ongoing chemical exposure. We believe every firefighter deserves gear that doesn't poison them.
Get Tested. Know Your Risk.
PFAS testing is one of the most important steps a firefighter can take for their long-term health. Contact us to learn how to access testing in your area or bring a testing event to your department.