Firefighter Gear: Study Finds Brominated Flame Retardants & PFAS Concerns

Firefighters rely on specialized gear to protect them from intense heat, flames, and hazardous materials. But a growing body of research suggests that the very equipment designed to safeguard their health may, in fact, pose hidden dangers. A new study, published in December 2023 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, adds to these concerns, revealing the presence of brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear – chemicals linked to a range of health issues.

Beyond PFAS: A Shift in Chemical Concerns

For years, firefighters have voiced concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their protective clothing. PFAS are used to repel water and oil, contributing to flame resistance, but have been linked to cancers and other health problems in both humans and animals. Duke Today reports that manufacturers are beginning to phase out PFAS, spurred by research and legislation – multiple states have laws banning PFAS-treated gear starting in 2027.

However, the move away from PFAS raises a critical question: what chemicals are being used as replacements? The Duke University study, led by Heather Stapleton, Ronie-Richele Garcia-Johnson Distinguished Professor at the Nicholas School of the Environment, sought to answer this question by examining the chemical composition of firefighter turnout gear.

What’s in Firefighter Gear? A Layered Appear

Turnout gear isn’t a single garment. It’s a three-layer system designed to provide comprehensive protection. The outer shell is flame-resistant, the middle layer is a moisture barrier that blocks germs while allowing airflow, and the inner lining regulates body temperature. Manufacturers apply chemical treatments to each layer to meet stringent safety standards set by the National Fire Protection Association. These treatments are not typically disclosed by manufacturers, making it hard to assess potential health risks.

Stapleton’s team analyzed nine sets of used turnout gear manufactured between 2013 and 2020, and three sets produced in 2024 marketed as PFAS-free. They used two analytical techniques to test each layer for both PFAS and brominated flame retardants, measuring both total chemical content and the amount that could potentially leach out during use – a key factor in determining exposure risk.

Brominated Flame Retardants: A New Concern

The research confirmed that PFAS were present in all gear produced between 2013 and 2020. As expected, the newer, PFAS-free gear showed significantly lower levels of extractable PFAS, likely due to environmental contamination rather than intentional treatment. However, every set of gear tested – regardless of manufacturing date – contained brominated flame retardants. And, crucially, the levels of extractable brominated flame retardants were generally higher than those measured for PFAS.

The highest concentrations of brominated flame retardants were found in the moisture barrier of the PFAS-free gear. This suggests that manufacturers may be intentionally adding these chemicals to maintain flammability requirements as they phase out PFAS. Among the identified chemicals, decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) was present at the highest extractable levels.

Exposure to brominated flame retardants has been linked to health concerns, including cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental problems. While U.S. Studies specifically examining the health effects of DBDPE exposure are limited, a Technology Networks article highlights a 2019 study of workers at a chemical manufacturing plant in China, which found associations between DBDPE exposure and altered thyroid hormone levels and signs of thyroid disease.

Exposure Pathways: Firefighting Itself and Manufacturing

The study revealed differing patterns of brominated flame retardant exposure depending on the gear’s age. Gear produced between 2013 and 2020 showed higher extractable levels of these chemicals in the outer shell, likely due to absorption from smoke and soot during firefighting. Burning building materials can release brominated flame retardants into the air, which then adhere to the gear.

However, the presence of these chemicals in the inner layers of all gear suggests that some manufacturers have been incorporating brominated flame retardants into turnout gear treatments for years, even before the PFAS phase-out began. This indicates a broader, potentially long-standing exposure risk for firefighters.

Weighing the Risks and Costs

Turnout gear is expensive – a single set can cost thousands of dollars – and firefighters often use the same gear for several years. Fire departments face a complex decision: whether to replace existing gear, potentially incurring significant costs, or to continue using it while acknowledging the potential health risks. ScienceDaily notes that researchers are studying the trade-offs between gear performance and potential health impacts.

Some manufacturers now offer turnout gear that avoids both PFAS and brominated flame retardants. Stapleton encourages fire departments to demand greater transparency from manufacturers regarding the chemical treatments used in their protective equipment. “We know firefighters receive higher exposure to multiple chemicals from all the hazards they face during their duty, and they shouldn’t have to worry about receiving additional chemical exposures from their gear,” she stated. “These first responders are a critically important component of our public safety and deserve to be respected and protected.”

Looking Ahead: Research and Regulation

Further research is needed to determine firefighters’ actual exposure levels to brominated flame retardants and to assess the long-term health effects. This includes studies specifically designed to track cancer incidence and other health outcomes in firefighters exposed to these chemicals. The findings from this study will likely inform ongoing discussions about gear standards and regulations, potentially leading to stricter requirements for chemical disclosure and the adoption of safer alternatives. Fire departments should stay informed about emerging research and guidance from organizations like the National Fire Protection Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters.