Full Breakdown
Health Risks from Chemicals in Firefighter Gear
12/19/2025, 9:41:43 PM
Study Findings on Firefighter Turnout Gear
A recent study published on December 16, 2025, in the journal *Environmental Science & Technology Letters* has revealed that some firefighter turnout gear contains brominated flame retardants (BFRs), chemicals associated with serious health risks, including cancer and hormone disruption. The research, led by Heather Stapleton, an environmental chemist at Duke University, tested 12 sets of turnout gear, including nine manufactured between 2013 and 2020 and three produced in 2024 that were marketed as PFAS-free. While older gear contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the newer gear showed minimal PFAS levels, indicating a shift away from these chemicals. However, all tested gear contained BFRs, with the highest concentrations found in the moisture barrier layer of the newer gear.
Implications of Brominated Flame Retardants
The study suggests that manufacturers may be substituting PFAS with BFRs to comply with fire safety standards. Notably, decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) was frequently detected, raising concerns due to its potential toxicity, as indicated by a 2019 study linking it to thyroid issues among manufacturing workers in China. Stapleton expressed surprise at the use of DBDPE, which shares properties with decaBDE, a chemical largely phased out globally due to health concerns. The presence of these chemicals in turnout gear highlights the need for further investigation into the long-term health effects on firefighters.
Financial and Safety Considerations for Fire Departments
The findings underscore the financial and safety dilemmas faced by fire departments regarding the maintenance or replacement of turnout gear. R. Bryan Ormond, a co-author of the study, noted that the high cost of turnout gear, which is often used for many years, complicates decisions about safety versus budget constraints. Stapleton urged fire departments to demand greater transparency from manufacturers regarding the chemicals used in their gear, emphasizing that firefighters should not have to contend with additional chemical exposures from their protective equipment.
Calls for Transparency and Further Research
The study advocates for more research into the health impacts of BFRs in firefighter gear and encourages manufacturers to provide clearer information about the chemicals used in their products. Stapleton highlighted the critical role of firefighters in public safety, stating, "These first responders are a critically important component of our public safety and deserve to be respected and protected."
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was really surprised that the manufacturers used DBDPE in turnout gear,” — Heather Stapleton, Professor, Duke University
- “Fire departments must consider both the financial and personal safety costs of keeping or replacing gear,” — R. Bryan Ormond, Associate Professor, N.C. State University
- “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,” — Heather Stapleton, Professor, Duke University
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the study indicates a significant presence of BFRs in firefighter gear, it does not quantify the exact levels of exposure firefighters may experience or the long-term health effects of these chemicals. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings on firefighter health and safety.
