
Firefighters are fighting another round of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, putting their lives in danger to save communities. Their protective gear, which is necessary for life in hazardous situations, may expose them to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), according to a recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This would add a layer of risk to their already dangerous employment.
NIST Study: Head To Toe PFAS Risk
The NIST study, published in December 2024, confirmed that PFAS were present in a variety of firefighter protective equipment, including gloves, hoods, and wildland gear. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. These substances have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and hormonal disruptions.
“Firefighters may encounter PFAS both in their working environment and their gear,” the NIST study noted. “Reducing unnecessary PFAS exposure is an important step toward improving firefighter health and safety.”
This information was made while Los Angeles firemen combat fires that have burned thousands of acres and claimed at least 24 lives. More severe winds are predicted for the next few days, which would raise the possibility of a fire spreading and make things worse for personnel who must work long hours in the heat and smoke.
Concerns are raised by the study that PFAS, which are utilized in protective gear to improve heat and water resistance, may leak out while being worn and may enter firefighters’ bodies by inhalation or skin contact. The harsh circumstances of wildfires, where intense heat and perspiration may promote chemical transfer, increase this risk.
The established health hazards firefighters confront are compounded by the concerns of PFAS exposure. Due to work-related risks, firefighters are more likely to develop bladder and thyroid cancer, among other diseases, according to the National Firefighter Registry. The battle for firefighter health and safety now takes on a new dimension due to PFAS contamination in equipment.