Podcast Summary: Why Research Into ‘Forever Chemicals’ Includes Firefighters

Podcast: Short Wave – NPR
Episode Date: February 2, 2026
Host: Regina Barber
Guest: Melissa Furlong, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Arizona
Episode Duration: ~13 minutes
Main Theme:
This episode explores the science and health implications of PFAS—so-called "forever chemicals"—with a focus on why research is zeroing in on firefighters, who face some of the highest exposures. The conversation explores how these chemicals have become prevalent, how they're getting into firefighters' bodies, and practical advice for the general public.

Main Discussion Points

What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Concern?

• Definition & Ubiquity
  • PFAS stands for "per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances," a family of over 10,000 chemicals valued for their ability to repel oil, water, stains, and heat. (00:42)
  • These chemicals have been in widespread use since the 1940s in products like nonstick pans, waterproof fabrics, carpets, and even cosmetics.
  • Notable Quote:

    "Almost everybody has detectable levels of at least one or two of the different common PFAS species. My exposure is fairly constant. It’s everywhere. And it also appears to be pretty toxic."
    — Melissa Furlong (02:12)

• Bioaccumulation ('Forever Chemicals')
  • PFAS don't break down easily in the environment or human body, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."

    "Instead of being excreted like normal environmental toxicants would be, they just get recirculated."
    — Melissa Furlong (01:57)

• Health Concerns
  • The full health effects are still being researched, but concern is growing due to their persistence and toxicity. Research is ongoing, especially regarding occupational exposure.

Why Focus on Firefighters?

• Occupational Exposure Pathways (04:01–05:38)
  • Firefighter gear is intentionally treated with PFAS for protection against heat, oil, and water.
  • Firefighting foams historically contained high PFAS concentrations. Though less used today, past exposures remain a concern.
  • Notable Quote:

    "So the gear that's supposed to be protecting them, is it actually increasing their PFAS?... The only occupational one where we're pretty sure is a source are the foams."
    — Melissa Furlong (04:30)

• Research Approach
  • Large cohort studies are underway in collaboration with firefighter organizations to track exposure and possible health effects.
  • Data collection relies on self-reported surveys, blood testing for PFAS, and departmental input due to the challenges of tracking thousands of firefighters in the field (05:46–06:38).

Key Study Findings & Comparison with International Research

• Australian Blood/Plasma Donation Study (06:39–08:11)
  • Prior Australian research found firefighters donating plasma or blood had lower PFAS levels.
  • U.S. studies are now tracking this, and preliminary baseline data shows similar trends: plasma donors have notably lower PFAS levels, followed by blood donors, compared to non-donors.
  • Notable Quote:

    "We wanted to ask them at baseline if they had a history of plasma and blood donation... and people who donated blood also had lower levels, not as low as the plasma people, but still slightly lower levels."
    — Melissa Furlong (07:16)

• Ongoing work aims to confirm whether donation directly reduces PFAS levels and improves health outcomes.

Implications and Recommendations for Firefighters

• Best Practices (08:11–09:21)
  • Research is helping inform protective policies, such as the "Clean Cab Initiative," which encourages on-scene gear decontamination and proper gear handling to reduce take-home exposure.
  • Hope that large organizations will adapt best practices based on accumulating research to minimize firefighter PFAS-related risks.
  • Notable Quote:

    "We're hoping that some of this research can basically help firefighters to protect themselves because we don't want firefighters to get sick. We know that firefighters are at increased risk for cancer and we're trying to turn that around."
    — Melissa Furlong (08:44)

Practical Advice for the General Public

• Should Everyday People Be Concerned? (09:22–11:41)
  • Everyone is exposed, but the focus should be on collective action and regulatory changes rather than excessive personal worry.

    "Individual people can take a few meaningful steps, but some people take it too far and it causes a lot of anxiety... We want policymakers and manufacturers to be worried about the PFAS chemicals."
    — Melissa Furlong (09:31)

• Reducing Exposure at Home
  • Filters (especially reverse osmosis) and bottled water tend to reduce PFAS exposure.
  • Well water users may have higher risk due to unrecognized groundwater contamination—testing and filtration is recommended.
  • Furlong personally uses a reverse osmosis filter even on city water.
  • Notable Quotes:

    "Anybody who's on a well and can afford it and can maintain it should get a filter."
    — Melissa Furlong (10:53)
    "There’s a lot of chemicals that are flying around and swimming around out there that are not regulated and not tested for."
    — Melissa Furlong (11:25)

• Mental Health Angle
  • Excessive anxiety about chemical exposure can also be detrimental to health—balance is key.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• PFAS are everywhere and toxic:

  "Almost everybody has detectable levels… My exposure is fairly constant. It's everywhere." (02:12)

• Firefighting gear and foam exposure:

  "The gear that's supposed to be protecting them, is it actually increasing their PFAS?" (04:30)

• Blood and plasma donation findings:

  "People who donated blood also had lower levels, not as low as the plasma people, but still slightly lower levels." (07:20)

• Reducing anxiety about exposure:

  "It's the anxiety and the stress that can happen… they're not beneficial. Right." (09:55)

• Filtering water:

  "Anybody who's on a well and can afford it and can maintain it should get a filter." (10:53)
  "Reverse osmosis is one of the more effective methods of water filtration." (11:38)

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 00:17–02:24 | PFAS definition, uses, and why they're called "forever chemicals" | | 02:24–03:00 | Widespread exposure and introductory health concerns | | 04:01–05:38 | Firefighter occupational exposures explained | | 05:46–07:01 | Study methodology: How PFAS exposure is measured in firefighters | | 07:01–08:11 | Blood/plasma donation as a potential way to lower PFAS levels | | 08:11–09:22 | Practical outcomes for firefighter safety and policy | | 09:22–11:41 | Advice for the general public: realistic steps to reduce PFAS exposure | | 11:41–End | Closing remarks and episode wrap-up |

Tone & Style

The conversation is science-forward, empathetic, and practical. Melissa Furlong balances clarity on the risks with reassurance—offering steps while cautioning against overreacting. The tone remains upbeat and accessible, using everyday examples and a touch of humor.

Summary Takeaway:
PFAS are inescapable, persistent chemicals that pose health risks, and firefighters are a key research group due to their heightened exposures. While individuals can take steps—like using water filters—systemic action and better regulations are crucial to address this widespread environmental challenge.