PFAS chemicals in turnout gear may release by wear and tear, study says

NEWS CENTER MAINE • January 26, 2024

A new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found certain textiles used in the protective clothing, tend to release more of the compounds because of everyday wear and tear. Turnout gear is the protective clothing designed to save firefighters' lives but also contains cancer-causing chemicals. Fighting fires in the protective equipment is fueling a cancer epidemic among first responders.