Firefighters find Relief adn Potential Health Benefits with Sauna Use
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A recent study conducted by the University of North dakota is exploring the effects of sauna use on firefighters, focusing on the potential for reducing levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – often called “forever chemicals” – in their bodies. While the study hasn’t definitively linked sauna use to increased detoxification,it has highlighted the positive mental health benefits experienced by firefighters. This comes as fire departments nationwide are increasing efforts to mitigate cancer risks within the profession.
The PFAS Concern and Firefighting
Firefighters are disproportionately exposed to PFAS through the firefighting foam used to extinguish certain types of fires, as well as through the breakdown of protective gear.PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the habitat and the human body. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to several health problems, including certain types of cancer, immune deficiencies, and developmental issues.
“We know firefighters have higher levels of PFAS in their blood,” explained Dr. Stacy McKinney, an assistant professor at the University of North Dakota and lead researcher on the study. “The question was, could we find a way to help them excrete this any faster than normal?”
Study Findings: Mental Wellbeing Takes Centre Stage
The study, while still ongoing, hasn’t yet established a clear link between sauna use and accelerated PFAS excretion. However, researchers observed a meaningful positive impact on the mental wellbeing of participating firefighters.
“One thing I’ve learned out of this is people love saunas, and to be honest, with firefighters having mental health risks, and how it makes them happy to get in a sauna, that might be a good enough reason to get them,” McKinney said. Firefighting is a high-stress profession, and access to relaxing and restorative practices like sauna use can be a valuable tool for mental health support.
Increased Focus on Firefighter Health and Safety
The implementation of saunas in fire stations is occurring alongside other initiatives aimed at reducing cancer risks for firefighters. The St.Paul Fire Department, for example, added saunas to its stations several years ago.
According to St.Paul Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Tyner, the department has also adopted a policy of providing two sets of firefighting “turnout” gear per firefighter.This ensures that firefighters have a clean set of gear to change into after being exposed to potentially harmful substances at a fire scene.
“When I was younger, in those days, we didn’t even think about cancer or trying to prevent cancer,” said Tyner, 57, who was recently diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer. “I think we’ve come a long way in protecting our younger generation of firefighters.”
Looking Ahead
The ongoing research at the University of North Dakota will continue to investigate the potential for saunas to aid in PFAS detoxification. Nonetheless of the results, the growing recognition of the importance of firefighter wellbeing – both physical and mental – is a positive step forward for the profession. The combination of preventative measures like clean gear, increased awareness of PFAS exposure, and access to restorative practices like sauna use, represents a thorough approach to protecting those who protect our communities.
Key Takeaways:
Firefighters face elevated exposure to PFAS (“forever chemicals”) through their work. A University of North Dakota study is investigating whether sauna use can definitely help firefighters eliminate PFAS from their bodies.
While definitive results are pending, the study has demonstrated the positive mental health benefits of sauna use for firefighters. Fire departments are increasingly prioritizing firefighter health and safety through measures like providing clean gear and promoting mental wellbeing.