Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology discovered firefighters' protective gear, known as turnout gear, contains high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are suspected carcinogens.
A new report sheds light on the specific types, quantities and location of PFAS in firefighter equipment, which until recently was unknown to the public, according to a May 1 news release.
“At NIST, we're trying to figure out what is in there. How much? What type? Once we answer that, then researchers can start to answer questions about how it’s getting into firefighters’ systems. Do they inhale it? Do they ingest it? Does it pass through their skin?” NIST researcher Rick Davis said in the release.
NIST researchers examined a range of textiles used in turnout gear coats and pants, showing the amount of PFAS present varies widely between manufacturers and layers, the release reported. The outermost two layers had the highest PFAS concentrations. Selecting optimal combinations of fabrics for each layer could significantly reduce the amount of PFAS present in turnout gear.
PFAS are oil- and water-resistant, ubiquitous in manufactured products and do not break down easily, earning them the nickname of "forever chemicals." Firefighters are burdened by comparatively high levels of at least one type of PFAS, which have found their way into the bodies of most Americans, according to the release.
The report calls for further research into alternative materials and coatings that could be used in turnout gear to reduce PFAS exposure, the release said. It also recommends firefighters take precautions to minimize their exposure to PFAS, such as wearing respiratory protection during cleaning and laundering.
“While we are starting to understand PFAS in the firefighter gear, we don’t know to what extent firefighters may be exposed to PFAS from their workplace,” Davis said in the release. “Understanding what PFAS are in the workplace tells a more complete story of the firefighter’s exposure.”
