Can blood or plasma donations reduce plasma PFAS levels

PFAS (“forever chemicals”) are synthetic compounds used in products like nonstick pans and firefighting foams. They stick around in the body for years (half-life is approximately 5 years) and have been linked to adverse health effects, although the exact risk thresholds are still debated.

Until recently, no strategy was known to lower PFAS levels in humans.

This study tested whether regular blood or plasma donations could impact PFAS levels in firefighters (who often have elevated levels).

What they did:

• Whole blood donation group: 470 ml every 12 weeks
• Plasma blood donation group: 800 ml every 6 weeks
• Control group: no donations

What they found after a year:

• Whole blood donors: 10% decrease in blood PFAS
• Plasma blood donors: 25% decrease in blood PFAS
• Control group: no change

What does this mean?

Both whole blood and plasma donations reduce PFAS levels in people with high exposure. Plasma donation seems to work best, likely because PFAS concentrate more in plasma and because donations were more frequent and larger in volume.

Link to study:
Gasiorowski et al., Effect of Plasma and Blood Donations on Levels of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Firefighters in Australia, JAMA Netw Open, 2022