Arnaud Mougin-Pennetier, a professional firefighter in Loire-Atlantique and a national representative for "health and safety" within the SUD-Sdis national union, has raised concerns about the risks associated with exposure to PFAS, a group of chemical compounds that include carcinogens and reproductive toxins. Mougin-Pennetier holds a university diploma in "cancer, work & environment" from the University of Avignon, in collaboration with the Scientific Interest Group on occupational and environmental cancers in the Vaucluse (Giscope 84). He highlighted that smoke to which firefighters are exposed is classified as carcinogenic since 2022 and can reduce their life expectancy by several years, between seven and ten years, according to studies. PFAS exposure for firefighters initially came to light through the use of emulsifiers in fire extinguishing. Initially, concerns focused on environmental contamination from runoff water containing PFAS. A large withdrawal plan was initiated after studies showed PFAS residues in natural environments following firefighter interventions. However, no specific health measures were planned for those who had handled these emulsifiers for years, including retired personnel. The January 2026 law excludes certain professional clothing from the PFAS usage ban, including firefighters' uniforms. PFAS can be found in the fabric structure of uniforms and in treatments applied to make them water-repellent and resistant to oil and hydrocarbon stains. Exposure sources are diverse and increase over time due to the aging of uniforms, which causes increased release of PFAS from mechanical conditions of use (abrasion) and exposure to high temperatures. When body temperature rises and firefighters sweat, skin permeability increases, facilitating the passage of PFAS and toxins into the body. This has been documented on the head (neck and shoulders) and hands. "Cold" and indirect contamination can occur during the handling of equipment and uniforms that have not been decontaminated from fire particles. Uniforms are often handled without gloves or respiratory protection. Unconscious contamination can also occur through surfaces or equipment on which uniforms are placed. Firefighting gloves, which are never washed or decontaminated, accumulate PFAS, CMR (carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxins), or PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Skin permeability on the hands can increase up to 400% when sweating during the "attack phase," meaning 400% more possibility of contaminants passing into the body. Mougin-Pennetier emphasized that alternatives to PFAS exist, such as silicones for water repellency and thermal stability, waxes for oil resistance, and some fabrics with no additives. However, these solutions need to be adapted to various uses and functions, and research and development must be accelerated. Achieving transparency about exposures is the first step in addressing these concerns. Mougin-Pennetier stated that integrating requirements regarding PFAS and other concerning substances into public tenders for uniforms is a priority. However, the autonomy of each department in carrying out its own tenders complicates this. He also called for revising the anti-PFAS law to make it an equalizing law and for a progressive withdrawal plan of PFAS in uniforms. Professional training and a gendered approach to exposure differences between women and men are also considered essential.