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United Fire Service Women tell commission research shows elevated PFAS in SFFD members
Summary
United Fire Service Women presented membership and recruitment data and described biomonitoring research that found elevated PFAS and flame-retardant levels in female firefighters; presenters cited the state ban on PFAS-based AFFF and ongoing efforts to source PFAS-free turnout gear.
SAN FRANCISCO — United Fire Service Women (UFSW) delivered a detailed presentation to the Fire Commission on Feb. 10 about recruitment, training, health and occupational exposures in the San Francisco Fire Department.
Captain Julie Mao, president of UFSW, told commissioners, "In 2021, we have 263 women in the San Francisco Fire Department," and described mentoring, recruitment seminars and a city-area girls' fire camp as recruitment pipelines.
Lieutenant Heather Buren reviewed research from the women firefighter biomonitoring collaborative, including post-fire biomonitoring that measured blood and urine samples at 24 hours, one week and one month after incidents. "Our firefighters had significant levels, higher levels of PFAS, 4 different PFAS chemicals and 2 different flame retardants than the office workers that were also in this study," Buren said, summarizing the collaborative's findings. Buren and UFSW described how research results factored into state legislation: they highlighted SB 1044, which restricts PFAS-based firefighting foams and requires manufacturers to disclose PFAS in turnout liners.
UFSW outlined current mitigation steps the department has adopted or is testing: post-fire gross decontamination, a wet-wipe policy, fit-testing of PFAS-free turnout liners and a program of training and awareness. Buren said the department is fit-testing three turnout models that manufacturers state are PFAS-free.
The presentation included recruitment and training efforts: UFSW recently held remote recruitment seminars, worked with local high schools and city college fire science pathways, and hosted the NorCal First Alarm girls' camp. Firefighter Michael Bristow described community events and charitable efforts, including an annual toy drive and fundraising for cancer-prevention groups.
Commissioners praised the group's work, asked about availability of PFAS-free turnout options and whether federal agencies such as the EPA are involved; presenters said the initiative has been department-driven and that pilot turnout models without PFAS exist and are being evaluated.
UFSW said data from their biomonitoring work have been used to support legislative change and help firefighters seeking presumptive benefits for cancer. Commissioners asked for any completed study results and for continued updates on gear testing and recruitment outcomes. The presentation concluded with commissioners thanking the group and requesting additional briefings as fit-testing and legislative work proceed.
