PFASを含む、含まない、消防士の防寒着をテストする研究(Study Tests Firefighter Turnout Gear With, Without PFAS)

2023-12-01

2023-11-30 ノースカロライナ州立大学(NCState)

◆北カロライナ州立大学の研究によれば、PFAS（永続性のある化学物質）を使用しない消防士の防火服は油を撥水できず、火災の危険性があることが示されました。
◆代替として炭化水素ワックスコーティングが提案され、劣化や耐久性についても評価されました。消防士の必要性により焦点を当て、PFASなしの服が油を吸収する可能性があることに注意が必要とされています。将来の研究では、消防士の肌に対する影響も調査される予定です。

＜関連情報＞

消防士の装備の未来に向けて：模擬実作業暴露後のフッ素系および非フッ素系アウターシェルの評価 oward the future of firefighter gear: Assessing fluorinated and non-fluorinated outer shells following simulated on-the-job exposures

Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder,Jingtian Lu,Andrew Stephen Hall,Arash Kasebi,Arjunsing Girase,Farzaneh Masoud,Jeffrey O. Stull,and R. Bryan Ormond
Journal of Industrial Textiles Published:November 30, 2023
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/15280837231217401

Abstract

In 2022, the occupation of firefighting was categorized as a “Group 1” carcinogen, meaning it is known to be carcinogenic to humans. The personal protective equipment that structural firefighters wear is designed to safeguard them from thermal, physical, and chemical hazards while maintaining thermo-physiological comfort. Typically, the outer layer of structural turnout gear is finished with a durable water and oil-repellent (DWR) based on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that helps limit exposure to water and hazardous liquids. The PFAS-based aqueous emulsion typically used in DWR finishes is highly persistent and can cause various health problems if absorbed into the body through ingestion, inhalation, and/or dermal absorption. In response, the U.S. Fire Service has begun using non-PFAS water repellants in firefighter turnout gear. This study aims to evaluate the performance of both traditional PFAS-based and alternative non-PFAS outer shell materials. The study involved exposing both PFAS-based and non-PFAS DWR outer shell materials in turnout composites to simulated job exposures (i.e., weathering, thermal exposure, and laundering) that artificially aged the materials. After exposures, samples were evaluated for repellency, durability, thermal protection, and surface chemistry analysis to determine any potential performance trade-offs that may exist. Non-PFAS outer shell fabrics were found not to be diesel/oil-repellent, posing a potential flammability hazard if exposed to diesel and subsequent flame on an emergency response. Both PFAS-based and non-PFAS sets of fabrics performed similarly in terms of thermal protective performance, tearing strength, and water repellency. The surface analysis suggests that both PFAS and non-PFAS chemistries can degrade and shed from fabrics during the aging process. The study indicates that firefighters should be educated and trained regarding the potential performance trade-offs, such as oil absorption and flammability concerns when transitioning to non-PFAS outer shell materials.