Decontaminating Turnout Gear in a PFAS-Regulated World

By: Emergency Technical Decon Team

Fire departments across the country are facing a significant shift in how they handle turnout gear decontamination due to the increasing regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). With the recent classification of certain PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), fire departments must rethink their decontamination processes to remain compliant and prevent environmental contamination.

Traditional cleaning methods, primarily water-based washing, have long been the standard for removing contaminants from firefighting gear. However, research has shown that these methods are not effective at fully removing PFAS, and worse, they can contribute to the release of these harmful chemicals into municipal water systems. Fire departments must now adopt PFAS-compliant decontamination methods that ensure firefighter safety while meeting evolving environmental regulations.

One of the most effective and compliant solutions available today is Liquid CO2+ cleaning, which offers thorough decontamination without producing hazardous wastewater. 

Understanding the Impact of PFAS Regulations on Fire Departments

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have been widely used in firefighting foams, turnout gear, and various industrial applications due to their water- and heat-resistant properties. However, growing research has linked PFAS exposure to serious health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system suppression. In response to these concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified certain PFAS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, meaning fire departments must now comply with strict handling and disposal regulations.

With this new classification, fire departments are now responsible for ensuring that PFAS-contaminated wastewater does not enter municipal water supplies. Improper disposal could expose departments to legal liability, fines, and cleanup costs. As states continue to adopt stricter regulations surrounding PFAS contamination, departments using traditional water-based turnout gear cleaning methods could face increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Why Traditional Cleaning Methods Are No Longer Enough

For decades, fire departments have relied on washing machines and detergent-based cleaning methods to remove contaminants from turnout gear. However, studies have shown that these conventional methods fail to fully eliminate PFAS, PAHs, and other hazardous substances embedded deep in gear fabrics.

The main concerns with traditional cleaning include:

• Ineffective PFAS Removal – Water-based washing removes only 15–40% of toxic contaminants, leaving behind residues that continue to expose firefighters to health risks.
• Environmental Contamination Risks – PFAS-laden wastewater discharged from washing machines can enter municipal water supplies, increasing pollution and regulatory liability.
• Turnout Gear Degradation – Repeated exposure to detergents and high-temperature washing can degrade turnout gear’s protective layers, reducing its lifespan and effectiveness.

As PFAS regulations become more stringent, fire departments must seek alternative cleaning solutions that eliminate these contaminants without contributing to environmental hazards.

The Role of Liquid CO2+ Cleaning in a PFAS-Regulated World

Liquid CO2+ cleaning is emerging as a leading decontamination solution for fire departments needing to meet PFAS compliance standards. Unlike water-based methods, this system removes deeply embedded contaminants without generating hazardous wastewater.

Research conducted by Cool Clean Technologies has demonstrated that Liquid CO2+ cleaning:

• Removes up to 84% of PFAS on the first cycle, far exceeding traditional washing methods.
• Eliminates 99% of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and PAHs, significantly reducing firefighter exposure risks.
• Does not degrade turnout gear, preserving moisture barriers and fabric integrity for up to 40% longer than conventional cleaning methods.
• Produces no hazardous wastewater, ensuring compliance with CERCLA regulations and protecting municipal water supplies.

The closed-loop system used in Liquid CO2+ cleaning captures and isolates contaminants rather than releasing them into the environment. This makes it a future-proof cleaning method that aligns with evolving federal and state regulations while providing a superior level of decontamination.

How Fire Departments Can Adapt to PFAS Regulations

To remain compliant with new PFAS regulations and protect firefighter health, fire departments should take the following steps:

1. Evaluate Current Decontamination Practices – Departments should assess whether their current cleaning methods effectively remove PFAS and meet new regulatory requirements.
2. Transition to PFAS-Compliant Cleaning Solutions – Fire departments should move away from water-based washing and adopt PFAS-compliant cleaning systems like Liquid CO2+ to reduce environmental impact.
3. Monitor Regulatory Updates – Federal and state agencies continue to update PFAS-related regulations. Departments must stay informed to ensure ongoing compliance.
4. Work with Industry Leaders in Turnout Gear Decontamination – Partnering with experts in PFAS removal, such as Emergency Technical Decon, ensures departments receive the most effective and compliant decontamination solutions.

By making these adjustments, fire departments can avoid legal risks, reduce PFAS contamination, and prioritize firefighter health in the long term.

Future-Proofing Firefighter Safety with PFAS-Compliant Decontamination

The designation of PFAS as hazardous substances under CERCLA marks a turning point in firefighter turnout gear decontamination. Fire departments must recognize that traditional washing methods are no longer sufficient to remove PFAS while staying compliant with evolving regulations.

By transitioning to Liquid CO2+ cleaning, fire departments can:

• Fully remove PFAS and PAHs from turnout gear.
• Prevent contamination of municipal water systems.
• Preserve the lifespan and effectiveness of firefighter PPE.
• Ensure long-term compliance with federal and state PFAS handling requirements.

Firefighters already face enough hazards on the job—their gear should not be one of them. The shift to regulation-compliant decontamination is not just about following the law; it’s about safeguarding those who put their lives on the line every day.

Emergency Technical Decon is committed to helping fire departments navigate the challenges of PFAS regulations while ensuring the highest standards of firefighter safety. Is your fire department prepared for PFAS compliance? Contact ETD today to learn how Liquid CO2+ cleaning can help protect your firefighters and keep your department ahead of evolving regulations.