New test for cancer-causing chemicals available to first responders in the Upstate

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) –  A new tool that can detect the amount of cancer-causing chemicals in a person’s blood is available to first responders in the Upstate.

First responders teamed up with the non-profit Diagnose Early to make at-home tests for chemicals available to firefighters across the region.

President of the Professional Firefighters’ Association of South Carolina Roger Odachowski said the tests are similar to ones that can detect diabetes with the prick of a finger. The Diagnose Early tests are able to detect two dozen types of cancer-causing chemicals known as PFAS, which can be found in a firefighter’s gear.

“There’s nothing really out there to be proactive, and everything seems to be reactive. And that’s the whole point of teaming up with Diagnose Early with all their different types of testing, especially the PFAs,” said Odachowski.

Firefighters who take the test typically get their results back within a month.

“The line of duty deaths – the number one cause is cancer. And by this, we’re being proactive. And it’s really, truly going to make a difference,” Odachowski also said.

The PFAS test kit costs around 300 dollars. Odachowski told 7NEWS that a portion of the funds benefits The Brotherhood of Firefighters Foundation, assisting other firefighters like himself and their families.

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