Firefighter Gear’s Hidden Chemical Threat: As PFAS Fade, Brominated Flame Retardants Rise
Every second counts when firefighters rush into burning buildings, but a new study reveals a hidden danger lurking within their protective gear. Researchers have discovered that as concerns over PFAS – “forever chemicals” – in turnout gear grow, manufacturers are increasingly turning to brominated flame retardants, chemicals linked to a range of health problems, including cancer and thyroid issues. And, alarmingly, these replacements may be more readily absorbed by the body.
The PFAS Problem and the Search for Alternatives
For years, firefighters have been unknowingly exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their turnout gear. These chemicals, used for their water and oil-repellent properties, have been linked to serious health concerns. Driven by growing awareness and impending state bans – several states will prohibit the purchase of PFAS-treated gear starting in 2027 – manufacturers began seeking alternatives. But the transition isn’t as simple as swapping one chemical for another.
Brominated Flame Retardants: A Familiar Concern
The recent study, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, is the first U.S. investigation to formally document the use of brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear. Researchers analyzed nine sets of gear manufactured between 2013 and 2020, alongside three newer sets marketed as PFAS-free. The results were concerning: every single set of gear contained brominated flame retardants, and the levels that could leach out – posing a risk of skin absorption or inhalation – were often higher in the PFAS-free gear.
What are Brominated Flame Retardants and Why are They Dangerous?
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are added to materials to slow down ignition. However, exposure to these chemicals has been associated with a variety of adverse health effects, including cancer, thyroid disruption, and neurological developmental problems. One specific BFR identified in high concentrations, decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), is particularly worrisome. While U.S. studies on DBDPE’s health effects are lacking, a 2019 study in China linked it to altered thyroid hormone levels and thyroid disease. You can find more information about the health effects of flame retardants from the American Chemical Society.
Layers of Exposure: Where are the Chemicals Located?
The study revealed a pattern of chemical distribution within the gear itself. In older gear (2013-2020), the outer shell tended to have higher levels of extractable BFRs, likely due to absorption from smoke and soot during fires. However, the highest concentrations of BFRs in the newer, PFAS-free gear were found in the moisture barrier – the layer designed to block germs while allowing airflow. This suggests manufacturers are intentionally adding BFRs to this layer to maintain flammability standards previously met by PFAS.
The Cost of Protection: A Complex Equation
Turnout gear is a significant investment for fire departments, costing thousands of dollars per set. Firefighters often use the same gear for years, making the potential for long-term chemical exposure a serious concern. “Fire departments must consider both the financial and personal safety costs of keeping or replacing gear,” explains R. Bryan Ormond, coauthor of the study. Some manufacturers are now offering gear free of both PFAS and BFRs, but transparency regarding chemical treatments remains a challenge.
Beyond Gear: The Broader Chemical Exposure Risk
It’s crucial to remember that firefighters face a multitude of chemical exposures on the job, from smoke and combustion byproducts to hazardous materials. As Heather Stapleton, lead author of the study, emphasizes, “Firefighters shouldn’t have to worry about receiving additional chemical exposures from their gear.” Her team is currently conducting research on cancer incidence in firefighters, further highlighting the urgency of this issue.
The findings underscore the need for greater chemical disclosure from manufacturers and a proactive approach to protecting the health and safety of those who protect us. The shift away from PFAS is a positive step, but it must not come at the cost of introducing new, potentially harmful chemicals into the equation. What are your predictions for the future of firefighter protective gear and chemical safety standards? Share your thoughts in the comments below!