Short Wave Why research into ‘forever chemicals’ includes firefighters
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Feb 2, 2026 
Melissa Furlong, environmental epidemiologist at the University of Arizona who studies PFAS in firefighters. She explains what PFAS are and why they persist. She discusses why firefighters often have higher PFAS levels and how large blood studies are conducted. She covers links between plasma donation and lower PFAS and practical steps and policies to reduce exposure.
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Widespread, Persistent 'Forever' Chemicals
- PFAS are a large family of chemicals used since the 1940s to repel oil, water, and stains across many products.
- They persist in the environment and human bodies, earning the nickname "forever chemicals."
Ubiquitous Exposure And Growing Health Concerns
- Almost everyone has detectable PFAS and exposure is continuous from many sources in daily life.
- Emerging research links PFAS exposure to toxic effects, though scientists are still defining the full health impacts.
Firefighter Exposures From Gear And Foams
- Firefighters may get PFAS from treated gear and historically from firefighting foams containing PFAS.
- Melissa Furlong notes foams with PFAS are now used less, but past use raised firefighters' PFAS levels.