Firefighters are known for facing dangerous situations on the job, from battling flames to rescuing those in need. However, a new study from the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health has shed light on the additional risks that firefighters face due to exposure to industrial chemicals.
The research focused on a group of firefighters who are regularly exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), common chemicals found in products like upholstery, electronics, and firefighting gear. These chemicals have been linked to changes in microRNAs (miRNAs), which are molecules that help regulate gene expression.
Lead author Melissa Furlong, Ph.D., explained that firefighters have higher levels of PFAS due to their occupational exposures. The study aimed to understand how these chemicals impact miRNA activity and whether they are associated with an increased risk of cancer and other diseases.
The study analyzed blood samples from 303 firefighters across the U.S. and found that certain PFAS were linked to changes in specific miRNA activity. These changes were associated with pathways related to various cancers, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
One of the key findings was the connection between PFAS-related miRNA changes and pathways involved in leukemia, bladder, liver, thyroid, and breast cancers. Additionally, miRNA alterations were linked to pathways associated with neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, as well as autoimmune and infectious diseases such as lupus, asthma, and tuberculosis.
While the study did not show direct disease outcomes, it highlighted potential biological changes that could precede the development of diseases. Understanding these effects could lead to the development of new strategies for preventing or reducing long-term health risks.
Senior author Jeff Burgess, MD, MPH, emphasized the importance of epigenetic changes, which can impact gene activity without altering the genes themselves. Previous research with firefighters has identified epigenetic changes linked to cancer risk, supporting the classification of firefighting as a carcinogenic occupation.
Moving forward, Furlong, Burgess, and their team plan to conduct long-term follow-up studies with firefighters to explore ways to prevent the development of diseases. By understanding the mechanisms by which PFAS and other chemicals impact gene activity, researchers hope to identify potential interventions to reduce health risks.
The study was part of the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study and was published in the journal Environmental Research. It provides valuable insights into the potential health risks faced by firefighters and the importance of addressing occupational exposures to toxic chemicals.
