Blog
February 12, 2025
By: Emergency Technical Decon Team
Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day, but one of the most dangerous threats they face isn’t just the flames—it’s the toxic chemicals embedded in their turnout gear. Every fire exposes firefighters to hazardous substances, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These contaminants don’t simply rest on the surface of the gear. They penetrate deep into the layers of fabric, where they continue to pose health risks long after a fire has been extinguished.
Traditional water-based cleaning methods have been used for years to decontaminate turnout gear, but research shows they fail to remove these toxic substances effectively. A study from Cool Clean Technologies found that conventional washing methods leave behind dangerous levels of contamination, meaning firefighters continue to be exposed to carcinogens even after their gear has been cleaned.
Fire departments are recognizing that better solutions are necessary to protect firefighters from these long-term health risks. Liquid CO2+ cleaning has emerged as a highly effective alternative, capable of eliminating deeply embedded contaminants like PFAS, PAHs, and other carcinogens while preserving the integrity of turnout gear for long-term use.
Why Traditional Cleaning Methods Fall Short
Water-based washing has been the industry standard for turnout gear decontamination, but studies have shown that it only removes a fraction of deeply embedded contaminants. PAHs, PFAS, and other carcinogens remain trapped in the fabric, increasing the likelihood of continued exposure through skin contact, inhalation, and cross-contamination in fire stations, vehicles, and even homes.
Repeated exposure to high temperatures and detergents during washing can also degrade the protective barriers in turnout gear, causing premature wear and reducing its effectiveness. In addition, wastewater from traditional washing methods often contains PFAS and other hazardous chemicals, which can enter municipal water supplies and pose environmental risks. With increasing scrutiny on PFAS contamination, fire departments must consider safer and more sustainable decontamination solutions.
The Science Behind Liquid CO2+ Cleaning
Liquid CO2+ cleaning is an advanced decontamination process that uses pressurized liquid carbon dioxide in a controlled, closed-loop system. Unlike water-based cleaning, which struggles to penetrate deep into turnout gear fabrics, Liquid CO2+ cleaning removes all contaminants at a molecular level. This process ensures the elimination of harmful substances like PFAS and PAHs without compromising the structure of the gear.
Research from Cool Clean Technologies found that Liquid CO2+ cleaning significantly outperforms traditional washing. In testing, this method removed up to 84% of PFAS in turnout gear, a marked improvement over conventional cleaning processes. The same study showed that it eliminated 99% of semi-volatile organic compounds and PAHs, ensuring that firefighters are not re-exposed to these carcinogens when they put on their gear.
Another major benefit of Liquid CO2+ cleaning is its ability to preserve the integrity of turnout gear. Unlike traditional washing methods, which can break down moisture barriers over time, this cleaning process leaves fabric structure intact, extending the gear’s lifespan by up to 40%. It also operates in a closed-loop system, capturing contaminants and preventing hazardous runoff.
A Smarter, Safer Approach to Firefighter PPE Decontamination
With growing awareness of firefighter exposure risks, more departments are shifting toward Liquid CO2+ cleaning as a superior solution for turnout gear decontamination. This shift ensures a more complete removal of contaminants, which helps protect firefighters from long-term health risks while also extending the life of their gear.
Fire departments that transition to Liquid CO2+ cleaning benefit from a decontamination process that is both highly effective and environmentally responsible. By eliminating toxic chemical residues while preventing gear degradation, this method provides a long-term investment in both firefighter safety and department budgets. The costs associated with replacing turnout gear due to wear and tear from traditional washing methods can be significantly reduced by adopting a more advanced cleaning approach.
The Future of Firefighter Safety Starts with Proper Cleaning
Firefighters face enough risks on the fireground. They shouldn’t have to worry about hidden dangers in their gear. With Liquid CO2+ cleaning now scientifically proven to outperform traditional washing methods, fire departments have an opportunity to provide better protection for their personnel.
Adopting this innovative decontamination process is an important step in reducing exposure risks, extending PPE lifespan, and ensuring compliance with firefighter safety standards. Emergency Technical Decon is at the forefront of bringing this proven cleaning technology to the fire service. ETD and Cool Clean Technologies will continue to conduct studies to prove the effectiveness of Liquid CO2+ cleaning technology.
Firefighters and department leaders ready to take proactive steps toward improved turnout gear decontamination can contact ETD today to learn more about implementing Liquid CO2+ cleaning in their department.
