Wildfire firefighters put their lives on the line to defend our communities, yet one of the greatest dangers they face isn’t the roaring fires they battle — it’s from the safety equipment they wear while on the job. PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are frequently used in firefighter gear to make the equipment water and oil-resistant. However, research has linked these chemicals to serious health concerns, including an increased risk for cancer.
Studies have found that as firefighting gear ages and breaks down, it releases more PFAS compounds. This is especially concerning to wildfire firefighters who work in extreme conditions. Their equipment breaks down more quickly due to the heat, and the extreme physicality of the job increases the risk of absorbing the chemicals into the body. This leads to firefighters dealing with health risks that develop long after any fire has been put out.
Continue reading as we examine PFAS, their health risks, and new laws seeking to ban PFAS in firefighting gear.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in a variety of cosmetic and industrial products since the 1950s. Their ability to withstand heat, oil, and water makes them ideal for products that range from water-resistant clothing and non-stick cookware to firefighting foams and protective gear.
Studies conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have found that certain types of firefighting gear can contain very high levels of PFAS. The NIST research suggests that prolonged exposure to UV light, heat, and other environmental factors that develop during a wildfire accelerate the release of these compounds, creating an ongoing health risk for firefighters.
Over the last 20 years, 66% of firefighter deaths have been due to cancer.
Why are PFAS so Dangerous?
PFAS are frequently referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resilient properties and the fact that they don’t break down in nature or the human body. Once released, they can remain for years, posing a contamination risk to the environment and a long-term health risk to people.
Studies have found connections between PFAS and several serious health concerns, including:
- Increased Cancer Risk. PFAS have been linked to an increased risk for testicular and kidney cancers.
- Hormonal Issues. Absorbed in the body, PFAS can interfere with hormonal systems, causing reproductive issues and developmental delays in kids.
- Kidney and Liver Damage. Long-term exposure has been linked to causing lasting and significant damage to the liver and kidney.
- Weakened Immune System. Compromised immune systems and trouble fighting infections have also been linked to PFAS exposure.
PFAS pose a threat to the health of firefighters but also to communities. PFAS contamination of soil, air, and water supplies is a global issue. In the U.S. alone, it’s estimated that millions of people nationwide have consumed PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Fortunately, some progress seems to have been made recently that may help to limit PFAS exposure in the future.
New Legislation Seeks to Limit PFAS Use
California recently passed legislation banning the chemical from being used to fight wildfires. The bill will ban the manufacture, sale, and use of all firefighting foam that contains any type of PFAS. Another piece of legislation currently under review in the state senate will prohibit the sale of intentionally added PFAS firefighter gear starting in 2026. CalFireGear.com and BareBones WorkWear(R) now only stock non-PFAS products in anticipation of the new laws and in concern for our customers.
The Department of Defense and other federal agencies have also recently prohibited the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS. The DOD plans to phase out PFAS foams by the end of 2024, while states such as New York, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Washington have already banned the compound.
By banning the use of PFAS firefighting foams, legislators hope to significantly reduce groundwater contamination, along with exposure to firefighters out in the field. However, while the use of PFAS declined nationally, the compounds can still be found in most types of firefighting gear.
How to Determine If There Are PFAS in Fire Gear
Determining whether a piece of equipment contains PFAS can be challenging, as they are not always labeled on products. However, firefighters can take a few steps to determine whether they’re buying PFAS firefighting gear.
Check for Certifications
Some products label themselves PFAS-free, while others are certified as not containing potentially hazardous chemicals. Check the tags and labels of firefighting gear to see how it’s marketed and what claims the manufacturer is making. You might see your favorite boot or apparel change the SKU – the listing number of an item. New SKUS are mandatory when they replace the previous items made with PFAS.
Research Manufacturers
While the current National Fire Protection Association standards do not prohibit the use of PFAS compounds, some manufacturers are taking it upon themselves to create gear that is free of harmful chemicals. However, not all gear is labeled as PFAS-free, as it has not been independently tested. The most direct way to find out if the gear is PFAS-free is to contact the manufacturer directly. The most widely used PFAS manufactures of CalFireGear and BareBones WorkWear(R) are 5.11, Carhartt, Timberland Pro, and Dickies – all of which have new, non-PFAS substitute products.
Review Product Specs
Some manufacturers will provide a materials list that covers all the materials used to create a piece of gear, similar to an ingredients list. Carefully reviewing the product specifications will reveal whether an item is PFAS firefighting gear or not.
Given the widespread use of these chemicals, taking the time to carefully review and vet the products they use is the only way for firefighters to know whether their health is at risk due to the gear they wear.
The Future is PFAS-Free Fire Gear
As our brave firefighters face the dangers of wildfires, it’s crucial to ensure their safety goes beyond the fire line. The presence of PFAS in firefighting gear poses long-term health risks, which is why it’s essential to stay informed and proactive.
At CAL FIRE Gear, we are committed to supporting safer alternatives and keeping you updated on developments that protect our firefighters and communities. By advocating for stricter safety regulations, together, we can safeguard the health of those who protect us. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s make a positive impact together.