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Firefighter Gear Found Contaminated with Toxic Flame Retardants

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters tested 12 sets of firefighter turnout gear and found brominated flame retardants in all samples, including PFAS-free gear.
The researchers frequently detected decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), a brominated flame retardant linked to thyroid issues in previous studies.
The findings suggest manufacturers may be replacing PFAS with potentially toxic alternatives.

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Story summary

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters tested 12 sets of firefighter turnout gear and found brominated flame retardants in all samples, including PFAS-free gear.
The researchers frequently detected decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), a brominated flame retardant linked to thyroid issues in previous studies.
The findings suggest manufacturers may be replacing PFAS with potentially toxic alternatives.