On 28 January 2026, the ALERT-PFAS project organised an awareness-raising session for wildland firefighters in Gignac (France). The meeting took place at the Pôle de Préparation à l’Engagement aux Situations d’Urgences (P.P.E.S.U.) and was also accessible online via Teams
An event to inform and train
The main objective of the session was to present the ALERT-PFAS project, its goals and initial results, as well as to raise awareness about the risk of PFAS contamination during and after fire interventions.
The event was opened by Colonel Éric Vial, who highlighted the importance of addressing this issue with rigor, without alarmism, and through strong institutional cooperation.
During the session:
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A clear explanation was provided on what PFAS are and the challenges they represent.
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The project context and progress within the SUDOE area were presented.
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Ongoing research lines were detailed, particularly those focusing on:
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Studying the life cycle of PFAS in firefighters’ operational activities.
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The 2026 sampling campaign, which will include at least 150 multi-matrix samples (liquids, solids and surface samples).
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The development of optical sensors for PFAS detection.
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Research on separation and degradation techniques for these substances.
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Research serving prevention
A key focus of the session was the work planned for 2026 to improve understanding of firefighters’ exposure to PFAS throughout their careers. The data collected will support enhanced medical monitoring and more effective prevention strategies.
The potential environmental impact of firefighting interventions was also discussed, underlining the need to better understand contamination processes.
A constructive exchange
The session concluded with a Q&A discussion involving both in-person and online participants. This exchange helped clarify several points and expand the list of analyses planned within the project, reinforcing ALERT-PFAS’s collaborative approach.
This activity forms part of the project’s capacity-building and awareness-raising actions, reaffirming ALERT-PFAS’s commitment to protecting emergency professionals and the environment.
The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for June 2026 and will review the overall progress of the project and upcoming steps.