US Forest Service Halts PFAS Gear
The U.S. Forest Service has stopped distributing firefighter gear containing PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," following recent investigative reports. The agency is now directing manufacturers to produce PFAS-free alternatives. This move addresses growing health concerns about carcinogen exposure for firefighters, particularly those working in the wildland-urban interface common in the Pacific Northwest.
- Recent studies by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) confirmed that all three layers of firefighter turnout gear contain PFAS, which have been linked to a higher risk of cancer. Abrasion, heat, and weathering can cause the gear to release even more of these "forever chemicals." - Firefighters have been found to have higher levels of PFAS in their blood compared to the general population, which is a concern as these chemicals are linked to testicular and kidney cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption. Cancer is the leading cause of death for in-the-line-of-duty firefighters. - Emails obtained through reporting revealed that U.S. Forest Service officials knew its wildland firefighter gear contained PFAS for years before publicly acknowledging the issue and halting its distribution. - Washington state has been proactive in addressing PFAS contamination, passing a law in 2018 to restrict PFAS in firefighting foam and requiring manufacturers to notify purchasers if firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) contains these chemicals. - The transition to PFAS-free gear presents significant challenges for manufacturers, who must find alternative materials that offer the same level of heat, water, and oil resistance without sacrificing durability or comfort. Some early versions of PFAS-free gear have shown to be less breathable and durable, potentially increasing heat stress for firefighters. - The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has issued safety advisories urging members to reduce their exposure by not bringing turnout gear into living areas, transporting it in sealed bags, and washing hands after handling it. - A 2024 NIST study found that while most wildland gear had low levels of PFAS, some samples had notably high concentrations. The highest concentration found was approximately 4,240 micrograms per kilogram in a piece of wildland gear. - While the focus has been on PFAS, some newer, non-PFAS treated gear has been found to contain higher levels of other potentially toxic chemicals, such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs), raising new questions about gear safety.
