Firefighters depend on their protective gear to safeguard them from intense heat, toxic smoke and hazardous chemicals encountered on the job.
However, recent research from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has brought attention to the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in such equipment.
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breakdown, are used in firefighting gear to enhance water resistance and durability.
While these properties provide critical protection, growing evidence suggests that PFAS exposure may pose significant health risks, including an increased risk of cancer.
The study, mandated by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, explored PFAS concentrations in firefighting gloves, hoods and wildland gear.
This investigation expands on previous findings related to PFAS in jackets and pants, raising questions about the balance between safety and potential chemical exposure.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial applications and consumer products due to their unique properties, including water and stain resistance.
These chemicals are commonly found in firefighting equipment, as water repellency is a crucial requirement for preventing steam burns and ensuring thermal insulation.
NIST researchers focused on the three-layer construction of structural firefighting gear—outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner—as well as single-layer wildland firefighting clothing.
They also evaluated gloves and hoods, which come into direct contact with skin.
Rick Davis, NIST chemist and co-author of the study, explained: “Our latest study showed that PFAS are present not only in the jacket and pants worn by firefighters but also in many of the smaller protective garments.”
This is particularly concerning given that firefighters already exhibit higher PFAS blood levels than the general population.
While the exact sources of exposure are not fully understood, turnout gear has been identified as a potential contributor.
The NIST team analyzed 32 textile samples from garments produced between 2021 and 2023.
These included four types of gloves, eight types of hoods and nine types of wildland firefighting gear from various manufacturers.
To measure PFAS concentrations, researchers extracted the chemicals using a solvent and tested for 55 different PFAS compounds.
The results revealed that 25 out of the 32 samples contained measurable levels of PFAS.
In total, 19 distinct PFAS chemicals were identified.
While PFAS levels varied widely, wildland gear demonstrated the greatest disparity.
Most samples contained low levels, but one wildland garment exhibited a concentration of 4,240 micrograms per kilogram, the highest detected in the study.
Interestingly, hoods had the lowest levels of PFAS, often falling below detectable thresholds.
However, the interior layers of gloves contained PFAS concentrations comparable to those found in structural firefighting jackets and pants analyzed in earlier studies.
The use of PFAS in firefighting gear is not without reason.
The water-repellent properties of these chemicals help maintain the protective qualities of the gear under extreme conditions.
For instance, dry protective clothing significantly reduces the risk of heat transfer and burn injuries compared to wet gear.
Davis emphasized this point with a relatable analogy: “A dry potholder will let you safely pull a hot dish out of an oven.
But that same dish can give you a third-degree burn in just one second if the potholder is wet.”
However, the long-term health implications of exposure to PFAS in firefighting gear are not yet fully understood.
PFAS have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, thyroid disorders and immune system suppression.
Given the serious nature of these potential risks, NIST’s findings highlight the need for further research to determine how much exposure occurs during typical use and how it might impact firefighters over time.
TheNIST’s study provides a critical foundation for future research aimed at reducing PFAS exposure without compromising the safety features of firefighting gear.
To build on this work, researchers plan to examine how wear and tear might influence PFAS release.
This will involve subjecting samples to simulated use conditions and assessing any changes in chemical concentrations.
Such studies could guide the development of safer materials and manufacturing processes, paving the way for a new generation of PFAS-free or reduced-PFAS protective gear.
Additionally, the data from NIST’s study can inform toxicologists, epidemiologists and other health experts who assess the risks associated with PFAS exposure.
Their findings will help policymakers and fire departments make informed decisions about the adoption of new standards and alternative materials.
This latest research focuses on PFAS levels in firefighter gloves, hoods and wildland gear.
Although the health risks associated with PFAS exposure from these textiles are not yet fully understood, the study provides vital data for further investigation and possible improvements in firefighter safety gear.
FSJA caught up with Rick Davis, a NIST chemist and co-author of the study
In the Fire Research Division at NIST, I lead the Flammability Reduction Group and manage the Fire Risk Reduction in Buildings program.
Additionally, I lead the firefighter exposure to the PFAS-firefighter project.
My role as PFAS-firefighter project leader involves developing the project scope and deliverables, overseeing its execution and ensuring that we meet our commitments to both the appropriation committee and other stakeholders.
This includes managing a multidisciplinary team, coordinating research efforts and communicating our findings to advance the safety and health of firefighters.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of synthetic compounds widely used for their water- and stain-resistant properties.
Structurally, they consist of a polar functional group (like an alcohol or acid) attached to a carbon chain that is heavily fluorinated.
The concern with PFAS lies in their persistence in the environment, resistance to degradation and potential to cause adverse health effects.
In firefighter protective gear, PFAS are often used in water-repellent coatings, raising concerns about potential exposure during manufacturing, use, or disposal of the gear.
NIST’s investigation into PFAS levels in firefighter gear aims to provide decision-makers with unbiased, trusted data using rigorous methods.
Our earlier reports focused on identifying and quantifying PFAS in the layers of structural firefighter jackets and pants, both in their original condition (Report 1) and after exposure to stress conditions (Report 2).
However, gaps remained regarding other critical gear, such as structural firefighter gloves, hoods and wildland firefighting gear.
Structural firefighter gloves were a logical next step because they are constructed with materials similar to the inner layers of jackets and pants, which were found to contain PFAS and may be constructed of a similar outer layer that also contains PFAS.
Additionally, gloves present a unique concern since they are often in direct contact with the skin, where the dermal layer is thinner, potentially increasing PFAS exposure risk despite covering less surface area.
Hoods were investigated because they are worn close to the head, where the potential for dermal and inhalation exposure is higher.
Lastly, wildland firefighting gear was included because its materials resemble the outer layer of structural gear, which had the highest PFAS content due to water-repellent coatings.
It’s not a straightforward comparison because the end-user requirements for wildland gear and structural firefighting equipment are fundamentally different.
Structural firefighting gear is designed for high-intensity heat and flame exposure, often incorporating materials with PFAS-based coatings for enhanced water and chemical resistance.
In contrast, wildland gear prioritizes lighter weight and breathability for prolonged outdoor use, typically with less emphasis on heavy-duty coatings.
These differing requirements influence the levels and types of PFAS present in each.
NIST’s research aims to equip organizations and manufacturers with PFAS data that organizations can use in their risk management portfolios.
