As Los Angeles battles another wave of catastrophic wildfires, firefighters are on the front lines, risking their lives to protect communities. Yet, a recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has revealed that their protective gear—essential for survival in hazardous conditions—may expose them to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), adding a hidden layer of danger to their already perilous work.
NIST Study: Head To Toe PFAS Risk
The NIST study, published in December 2024, confirmed that PFAS were present in a variety of firefighter protective equipment, including gloves, hoods, and wildland gear. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. These substances have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and hormonal disruptions.
“Firefighters may encounter PFAS both in their working environment and in their gear,” the NIST study noted. “Reducing unnecessary PFAS exposure is an important step toward improving firefighter health and safety.”
This revelation comes as firefighters in Los Angeles battle blazes that have already claimed at least 24 lives and scorched thousands of acres. Weather forecasts predict more fierce winds in the coming days, increasing the risk of fire spread and worsening conditions for crews working long hours in smoke and heat.
The study raises concerns that PFAS used in protective gear to provide water and heat resistance may leach out during use, potentially entering firefighters’ bodies through skin contact or inhalation. This risk is exacerbated by the extreme conditions of wildfires, where high heat and sweat may facilitate chemical transfer.
The dangers of PFAS exposure are layered onto the known health risks firefighters face. According to the National Firefighter Registry, firefighters have elevated rates of several cancers, including bladder and thyroid cancer, due to occupational hazards. Now, PFAS contamination in gear adds another dimension to the fight for firefighter health and safety.
Better Funding And Healthcare Are Critical To Change
Addressing this issue will require systemic changes. Fire departments and policymakers can take proactive measures, such as funding research to develop PFAS-free materials, monitoring PFAS levels in gear, and adopting stricter regulations to limit the use of harmful chemicals in manufacturing. Manufacturers, for their part, should explore alternative materials that maintain the protective qualities firefighters need without the associated risks.
Health monitoring for firefighters is also critical. Regular screenings can help detect illnesses linked to PFAS exposure early, allowing for timely treatment. Additionally, fire departments must provide mental health resources, as the combined stress of physical and chemical risks can take a significant psychological toll.
In the face of increasingly destructive wildfires driven by climate change, firefighters continue to serve as community protectors under unimaginable conditions. Removing harmful chemicals from their gear is essential to ensuring their safety and well-being, allowing them to focus on their critical mission without unnecessary risks to their health.
