Is Turnout Gear Toxic?

By: Rory Noble, Operations Manager – Eagan, MN 

Intro: Firefighters trust their gear, the first line of defense, to protect them from extreme heat, flames, and hazardous substances. However, emerging evidence indicates that this essential gear poses significant health risks to those who wear it. So, is turnout gear toxic? The short answer is yes.

Toxins That Can Be Present in Turnout Gear

Firefighters’ turnout gear is exposed to numerous hazardous substances during firefighting operations. A comprehensive list of toxins that can be found in gear include: 

• Arsenic: A natural element used in various industrial applications; causes skin, lung, and liver cancers.

• Asbestos: A group of minerals used for insulation; causes lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and mesothelioma.

• Benzene: A volatile organic compound found in gasoline; linked to leukemia.

• Benzo[a]pyrene: A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in smoke; causes lung, bladder, and skin cancers.

• 1,3-Butadiene: A chemical used in rubber manufacturing; associated with blood cancers.

• Cadmium: A metal used in batteries and coatings; causes lung cancer.

• Formaldehyde: A chemical used in building materials; leads to nasopharyngeal cancer.

• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” are man-made chemicals used to make fabric water and stain-resistant. They are linked to various cancers, liver damage, and immune system effects. 

• Radioactivity (gamma activity): Emission from radioactive materials; can cause cancers throughout the body.

• Radionuclides (alpha & beta emitting): Radioactive particles; linked to cancers. 

• Silica (crystalline): A mineral found in construction materials that causes lung cancer. 

• Sulfuric acid: A corrosive chemical used in manufacturing; linked to laryngeal cancer.

• TCDD (2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin): A contaminant in herbicides; causes lung cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and sarcomas.

The Importance of Liquid CO2 Cleaning

Given the array of hazardous substances that can accumulate on turnout gear, effective cleaning is paramount. Traditional cleaning methods, while helpful, may not remove all toxins effectively. Liquid CO2 cleaning is a revolutionary method for decontaminating firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE). This process uses liquid carbon dioxide as a cleaning agent, which has several key advantages:

• Superior Cleaning Power: Liquid CO2 cleaning has been shown to remove a greater percentage of toxins from turnout gear compared to traditional cleaning methods. This includes stubborn contaminants like PFAS and PAHs that are difficult to eliminate completely with water-based cleaning solutions.

• Fabric Integrity: Liquid CO2 cleaning is gentle on fabrics. It cleans without the high temperatures and mechanical agitation that can degrade the protective qualities of turnout gear over time.

• Environmental Impact: Unlike conventional detergents and solvents, liquid CO2 is an environmentally friendly cleaning agent. It does not produce hazardous waste, making it a sustainable choice for cleaning firefighter gear.

• Health Benefits: By effectively removing carcinogens and other toxins, liquid CO2 cleaning significantly reduces the risk of long-term health issues for firefighters. Cleaner gear means lower exposure to harmful substances.

How Liquid CO2 Cleaning Works

The process involves placing the turnout gear in a specialized chamber where it is exposed to liquid CO2. The CO2 penetrates the fabric, dissolving and carrying away contaminants. This method ensures that even the deepest layers of the gear are thoroughly cleaned, without leaving any residue that could compromise the health of those who wear it.

The toxicity of turnout gear poses a significant health risk to firefighters. With hazardous substances like PFAS, PAHs, asbestos, and VOCs contaminating their gear, firefighters face increased risks of cancer and other serious health conditions. Regular and effective cleaning is crucial to mitigate these risks. Liquid CO2 cleaning stands out as the most effective method for decontaminating turnout gear, ensuring that it remains safe and protective for those who wear it.

Incorporating liquid CO2 cleaning into your department’s decontamination routine can make a substantial difference in firefighter safety and health. By choosing advanced, effective cleaning solutions, we can reduce toxic exposure and protect those who protect us. Learn more about how ETD’s innovative Liquid CO2+ cleaning methods can help safeguard your team against hidden dangers in turnout gear.