How PFAS Regulations Are Shaping the Future of Firefighter Safety

By: Emergency Technical Decon Team

Firefighters risk their lives every day, but an invisible threat lurks within their gear—PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These “forever chemicals” have been widely used in firefighting gear and foams for decades, providing water and heat resistance. However, recent EPA rulings and mounting scientific research have confirmed the serious health risks of PFAS exposure, including cancer, immune system damage, and hormonal disruptions.

As the EPA enacts stricter regulations, fire departments must rethink how they handle, clean, and decontaminate turnout gear to protect firefighters while maintaining compliance with new standards. This shift marks a critical moment for firefighter safety, requiring departments to adopt advanced cleaning solutions that effectively remove PFAS and prevent environmental contamination.

New EPA PFAS Regulations and What They Mean for Firefighters

The EPA has recently classified PFAS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This means that fire departments must now properly track, manage, and prevent PFAS contamination—or risk fines, legal action, and costly cleanup requirements.

Key EPA regulatory updates impacting the fire service include:

• PFAS Designation as a Hazardous Substance (CERCLA) – Fire departments are now responsible for controlling, reporting, and properly disposing of PFAS-containing materials. Improper handling of contaminated turnout gear or runoff from washing PPE could lead to regulatory penalties and environmental cleanup liabilities.
• Stricter Drinking Water Standards – The EPA has set enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water, which means fire stations must evaluate their runoff and wastewater management practices to prevent contamination of local water supplies.
• State-Level Bans and Restrictions – Many states are passing laws that ban the sale and use of firefighting gear and foams containing PFAS, requiring departments to phase out older equipment and adopt safer alternatives.

These regulatory changes demand immediate action from fire departments to ensure turnout gear is properly decontaminated, preventing continued exposure to firefighters and minimizing environmental impact.

Why Traditional Cleaning Methods Are No Longer Enough

For decades, fire departments have relied on water-based washing methods to clean turnout gear. However, recent studies show that traditional cleaning is ineffective at removing PFAS, leaving dangerous residues that firefighters continue to absorb and inhale.

The risks of using outdated cleaning methods include:

• Ineffective PFAS Removal – Traditional washing only removes 15-40% of PFAS contaminants, leaving behind toxic residues that continue to expose firefighters to health risks.
• Environmental Contamination – PFAS-laden wastewater from conventional cleaning methods can enter municipal water systems, further spreading these hazardous chemicals.
• Gear Degradation – Water-based washing and harsh detergents weaken turnout gear, causing faster deterioration of moisture barriers and thermal protection, ultimately leading to more frequent and costly gear replacements.

With PFAS now under strict EPA regulations, departments must move away from ineffective cleaning practices and adopt proven decontamination solutions that truly eliminate these hazardous chemicals.

How Fire Departments Can Stay Ahead of PFAS Regulations

To comply with new EPA rules and protect firefighter health, departments should take the following steps:

• Implement Advanced Cleaning Solutions – Fire departments must transition to scientifically proven decontamination methods that remove PFAS without creating hazardous wastewater.
• Upgrade PPE Decontamination Procedures – Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for proper turnout gear handling, storage, and cleaning to minimize exposure risks.
• Monitor Regulatory Changes – As PFAS legislation continues to evolve, fire departments must stay informed and adapt their decontamination practices accordingly.
• Invest in Safer Turnout Gear and Equipment – Departments should begin phasing out PFAS-treated PPE and exploring safer, PFAS-free alternatives to comply with upcoming bans.

At Emergency Technical Decon (ETD), we provide the first Liquid CO2+ cleaning technology that has proven to be the most effective PFAS-compliant turnout gear decontamination method available today.

• Removes up to 84% of PFAS contaminants, far exceeding traditional cleaning methods.
• Eliminates hazardous wastewater, preventing PFAS from contaminating municipal water supplies.
• Extends PPE lifespan by up to 40%, reducing replacement costs and ensuring gear remains fully protective.
• Meets new EPA regulations by safely removing and containing hazardous chemicals.

As PFAS regulations tighten, fire departments must proactively adopt better decontamination methods to stay compliant and protect their firefighters. ETD is here to help. Is your department prepared for the future of firefighter safety? Contact ETD today to learn how Liquid CO2+ cleaning can keep your gear clean, compliant, and PFAS-free.