CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES – JANUARY 8: A house on fire as residents try to flee the site to … [+]
As Los Angeles battles another wave of catastrophic fires, firefighters are on the front lines, risking their lives to protect communities. However, a recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has found that their protective equipment – essential for survival in hazardous conditions – may expose them to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), adding a hidden layer of danger to their already dangerous work.
NIST study: PFAS risk from head to toe
The NIST study, published in December 2024, confirmed that PFAS were present in a variety of firefighters’ protective equipment, including gloves, hoods and wild gear. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. These substances are linked to serious health problems, including cancer, liver damage and hormonal disruptions.
“Firefighters may encounter PFAS both in their work environment and on their equipment,” the NIST study noted. “Reducing unnecessary PFAS exposure is an important step toward improving the health and safety of firefighters.”
The revelation comes as firefighters in Los Angeles battle flames that have already claimed at least 24 lives and burned thousands of acres. Forecasters predict stronger winds in the coming days, increasing the risk of the fire spreading and worsening conditions for crews working long hours in the smoke and heat.
The study raises concerns that PFAS used in protective gear to provide water and heat resistance could leach 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 can facilitate the transfer of chemicals.
Inmate firefighters with Delta Conservation Camp build a handline during the Point Fire … [+]
The risks of PFAS exposure extend to the well-known health risks faced by firefighters. According to the National Firefighter Registry, firefighters have high rates of several types of cancer, including bladder and thyroid cancer, because of the hazards on the job. Now, PFAS contamination in equipment adds another dimension to the fight for firefighter health and safety.
Better financing and health care 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 equipment, and enacting stricter regulations to limit the use of harmful chemicals in manufacturing. Manufacturers, for their part, should explore alternative materials that retain the protective qualities firefighters need without the associated risks.
Health monitoring for firefighters is also critical. Regular screenings can help detect diseases related to PFAS exposure early, allowing for timely treatment. Additionally, fire departments must provide mental health resources, as the combined stress of physical and chemical hazards can take a significant psychological toll.
In the face of increasingly destructive wildfires fueled by climate change, firefighters continue to serve as community protectors in unimaginable conditions. Removing harmful chemicals from their equipment is essential to ensure their safety and well-being, allowing them to focus on their critical mission without unnecessary risks to their health.
