Hidden Hazards: Firefighter Gear Contains Emerging chemical Concerns – Brominated Flame Retardants
(Published December 18, 2025)
For years, firefighters have bravely faced the immediate dangers of flames and smoke. Now, a groundbreaking new study reveals a perhaps insidious threat: the protective gear itself may contain chemicals linked to serious health risks. Published December 16th in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the research is the frist extensive U.S. investigation into the presence of brominated flame retardants (bfrs) in firefighter turnout gear. The findings are prompting critical questions about firefighter safety and the choices manufacturers are making as they phase out other concerning chemicals.
The Shift from PFAS – and What’s Replacing Them?
Firefighters have long voiced concerns about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their gear. These chemicals, used for their oil and water-repellent properties and contribution to flame resistance, have been linked to a range of health problems, including certain cancers. While direct links between PFAS-treated gear and firefighter health outcomes are still being studied, manufacturers are responding to growing pressure and legislation – with multiple states banning PFAS-treated gear starting in 2027.
But the move away from PFAS raises a crucial question: what’s taking its place? Manufacturers aren’t typically clear about the chemical composition of their gear treatments, leaving a knowlege gap that this new study begins to fill.
A Surprising Finding: Brominated Flame Retardants Found in All Gear Tested
“There was a rumor that one of the turnout gear manufacturers might be using brominated flame retardants in the non-PFAS treated textiles,” explains lead author Heather Stapleton, Ronie-Richele Garcia-Johnson Distinguished Professor at Duke University‘s Nicholas School of the Surroundings. “Because some brominated flame retardants have known toxicity, I requested a sample of the gear in question to test.”
That initial test confirmed the presence of BFRs, leading to a larger study conducted with researchers at North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles and the International Association of Fire Fighters. The team analyzed nine sets of used turnout gear manufactured between 2013 and 2020, and three sets produced in 2024 marketed as PFAS-free.
The results were concerning: every single set of turnout gear tested contained brominated flame retardants.
Understanding firefighter Turnout Gear: A Three-Layer System
To understand the implications, it’s notable to know how firefighter gear is constructed. Structural firefighters – those responding to incidents in buildings – rely on three key layers:
* Outer Shell: A flame-resistant exterior.
* Moisture Barrier: Blocks germs while allowing breathability.
* Inner Lining: Regulates body temperature.
Chemical treatments are applied to each layer to meet stringent safety standards set by the National Fire Protection Association