The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) says glutathione is not FDA-approved for post-exposure firefighter detoxification, while recent recalls have raised concerns over contamination and serious adverse reactions.
Firefighters are being warned against using glutathione treatments marketed for wildfire smoke, PFAS and other occupational exposures after the IAFF said there is no published scientific evidence that the supplement reduces “forever chemical” levels or oxidative stress linked to firefighting.
The International Association of Fire Fighters issued a safety advisory cautioning members that glutathione is not an FDA-approved drug for post-exposure firefighter detoxification in the United States. The union said there has been no formal review confirming that the treatment is safe and effective for that purpose, no requirement to report harmful side effects in the same way as approved drugs, and no FDA review of marketing claims or product labels for accuracy.
Glutathione has been offered to some wildland firefighters through IV infusion or nebulized delivery after smoke exposure, including during recent fires near Spokane, Washington. Supporters have described anecdotal relief from symptoms after breathing toxic smoke, but the IAFF and medical experts said such accounts do not establish whether the treatment works or whether it is safe.
The advisory also points to FDA concerns over sterile injectable glutathione and a 2026 nationwide recall by Victory Medical Center Pharmacy in Austin, Texas, after elevated bacterial endotoxin levels were found in certain compounded glutathione vials. The pharmacy’s risk statement, shared by the FDA, warned that injectable products with elevated endotoxin levels could cause significant medical events including fevers, hypotension, inflammatory reactions, anaphylactic shock and death.
Victory Medical Center Pharmacy said it had received reports of adverse events including fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, changes in blood pressure, body aches and injection site reactions. The IAFF advisory further cited a previous FDA alert that described adverse events associated with compounded injectable glutathione, including one hospitalization after low blood pressure and difficulty breathing.
In its warning, the IAFF said glutathione is being marketed to firefighters as a way to remove toxins, but “there are no published scientific studies providing evidence that it reduces PFAS levels or oxidative stress associated with firefighters’ occupational exposures.” The union added that supplements can carry unexpected risks, noting that previous clinical trials of seemingly routine supplements have found increased disease risks in some groups.
Medical experts have also urged caution. Dr. Cora Sack, a pulmonary specialist at the University of Washington School of Medicine, said claims about glutathione are biologically plausible because wildfire smoke can create oxidative stress, but clinical evidence of efficacy is lacking. She also warned that nebulized glutathione could constrict airways in people with asthma or chronic lung conditions, while contaminated sterile injectables can create serious risks.
Luke Montrose, a professor at Colorado State University who studies wildfire smoke and disease risk, said glutathione has anti-inflammatory properties but has not been sufficiently studied for the firefighter exposures in question.
The issue has gained attention as wildland firefighters face increasing exposure to complex smoke plumes, especially when fires burn through urban areas containing household chemicals, plastics, batteries and other materials. Firefighters often work in conditions where respiratory protection with air tanks is impractical, increasing concern over both immediate symptoms and long-term exposure risks.
Sean DeCrane, IAFF assistant to the general president for health and safety, said the union received concerns from physicians and members after glutathione was promoted to firefighters despite the lack of research proving health claims or safety. The IAFF also received reports that some firefighters felt worse or became sick after treatment.
“Medical treatments being marketed to firefighters should be evaluated and tested to make sure there are no unintended consequences,” DeCrane said.
