PFAS chemicals in turnout gear may release by wear and tear, study says

By Vivien Leigh | News Center Maine | January 26, 2024

Read the full article by Vivien Leigh (News Center Maine)

"More concerning news about toxic industrial chemicals known as PFAS and their impact on the health of firefighters has been revealed in a recently published study. The chemicals are used to make the firefighter's turnout gear fireproof.

The new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found certain textiles used in the protective clothing, tend to release more of the compounds because of everyday wear and tear.

Turnout gear is the protective clothing designed to save firefighters' lives but also contains cancer-causing chemicals."