A new scientific study has revealed a hidden hazard lingering on firefighter gear long after flames are extinguished.
Researchers from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine have identified cancer-linked ‘forever chemicals’ on every piece of protective equipment they examined, including breathing equipment designed to deliver clean air.
The findings are raising urgent questions about long-term PFAS exposure risks within the fire service and highlighting a practical new way for departments to identify contamination before it becomes a lasting health threat.
A silent threat embedded in protective equipment
Firefighter gear is designed to withstand extreme heat and toxic smoke, but the latest findings show it may also harbour invisible contaminants.
Using a simple wipe-based screening method, scientists detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across all tested equipment, including turnout coats, pants, gloves, and even breathing apparatus masks.
PFAS are synthetic chemicals prized for their heat resistance and durability. Those same qualities, however, make them persistent in the environment and the human body.
Once deposited on firefighter gear, they can remain for extended periods, transferring to skin, fire stations, vehicles, and homes.
Why PFAS matter for firefighters
Cancer remains the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters, and PFAS exposure has been linked to several forms of the disease.
The study underscores how routine firefighting activities – especially incidents involving foams or complex chemical fires – can leave lasting residues on equipment meant to provide protection.
Alarmingly, PFAS were found even inside breathing masks, an area typically assumed to be shielded from contamination.
Concentrations measured on the surface of firefighter gear reached levels high enough to raise concerns about cumulative exposure over a career spanning decades.
A practical test with real-world impact
What sets this research apart is not only what it found, but how it found it. The wipe test uses damp, non-destructive polypropylene wipes to sample high-contact areas of gear.
The collected material is then analysed with advanced mass spectrometry to identify PFAS compounds.
Because the method does not damage fabrics or components, fire departments can use it regularly without taking equipment out of service.
This makes it a valuable tool for everyday decision-making, especially after major fires or foam-intensive responses.
Improving how firefighter gear is managed
The findings are already reshaping conversations about how firefighter gear should be handled.
The wipe test can help departments determine when gear needs cleaning, how it should be bagged and transported, and which items require deep decontamination before reuse.
Rather than relying on guesswork, crews can base decisions on measurable contamination levels.
Researchers also modelled how surface PFAS on firefighter gear could translate into internal exposure.
Their analysis suggests that even small amounts, encountered repeatedly, can accumulate in the body and contribute to long-term health risks.
Cultural change beyond the fireground
The study aligns with broader efforts to improve firefighter health through education, screening, and policy.
Initiatives connected to the research have supported mobile cancer screening clinics, multilingual training programmes, and improved decontamination practices.
Advocacy has also played a role in advancing presumptive cancer laws that provide financial and medical support to affected firefighters.
Toward safer firefighter gear
As awareness grows, the focus is shifting from simply fighting fires to managing what comes home afterwards.
Regular testing, smarter cleaning protocols, and informed handling of firefighter gear could significantly reduce exposure to PFAS and other toxic substances.
By making invisible hazards visible, this research offers the fire service a new opportunity to protect its members – not just during emergencies, but throughout their careers.
