Firefighter Gear Is Coated in PFAS Forever Chemicals
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/8/2026
The gear that's supposed to protect firefighters is contaminated with PFAS, the same "forever chemicals" linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive harm.
PFAS Found on Protective Equipment
A 2026 study in J Hazard Mater used non-destructive surface sampling to test firefighter protective gear for PFAS contamination. They found it. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were present on the surface of the equipment firefighters wear every shift.
PFAS are used in turnout gear because they repel water and resist heat. But that means every time a firefighter suits up, they're in direct skin contact with forever chemicals. The study raises serious questions about occupational exposure through the very equipment designed to keep them safe.
Why This Matters Beyond Firefighters
Firefighters already have higher rates of certain cancers compared to the general population. PFAS exposure from their own gear could be a contributing factor. But the bigger picture is that PFAS are in products all around us: rain jackets, stain-resistant couches, nonstick pans, and fast food wrappers.
If PFAS are on heavy-duty protective gear, think about what's in the everyday consumer products in your house.
What You Can Do
Avoid products marketed as water-resistant, stain-resistant, or grease-resistant unless they're specifically labeled PFAS-free. That goes for outerwear, furniture treatments, and cookware. Check out non-toxic home essentials for safer alternatives.
Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.