According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a recent study has identified the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the protective clothing used by wildland firefighters.
The research also detected PFAS in the hoods and gloves of firefighters who combat building fires.
“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,” said Rick Davis, a chemist at NIST and co-author of the study.
Firefighters exhibit higher levels of PFAS in their blood compared to the general population.
The exact cause of this increase is uncertain, though it is believed to stem from the turnout gear worn during firefighting activities.
PFAS are known for their durability and resistance to chemicals, which makes them prevalent in various protective equipment.
“Our research provides essential data that toxicologists, epidemiologists, and other health experts can use to assess the risks associated with PFAS exposure,” Davis added.
The study involved analyzing gloves, hoods, and wildland firefighter gear from multiple manufacturers between 2021 and 2023.
Researchers dismantled these garments into 32 textile samples and extracted PFAS using solvents to identify 55 different PFAS chemicals.
The team detected measurable PFAS in 25 of the 32 samples, identifying 19 distinct types of PFAS.
While most samples contained minimal PFAS, a few exhibited higher concentrations.
Notably, the highest concentration measured was approximately 4,240 micrograms per kilogram in a piece of wildland gear.
NIST plans to conduct follow-up studies to examine how wear and tear might influence PFAS levels in firefighter hoods, gloves, and wildland gear.
These subsequent investigations aim to understand the long-term impacts of PFAS exposure on firefighters’ health.
The current study was initiated following a directive from Congress in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which requested NIST to evaluate PFAS in firefighter equipment.
A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in protective clothing used by wildland firefighters and in the hoods and gloves of structural firefighters in the United States.
PFAS were detected in 25 out of 32 textile samples, with 19 different types identified.
The highest concentration found was approximately 4,240 micrograms per kilogram in wildland gear.
Firefighters typically have higher PFAS levels in their blood, potentially due to their turnout gear.
The study did not assess health risks but provides data for further analysis by health experts.
NIST conducted the research following a request from Congress in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.
Future studies will explore how equipment wear affects PFAS levels in firefighter gear.
