A new study led by Heather Stapleton at Duke looked at firefighter turnout gear. Firefighters wear textiles treated to resist heat, water and oil while they work.
For years firefighters have worried about PFAS, chemicals that make gear water- and oil-resistant. PFAS have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease and developmental problems. The study compared older gear with newer gear advertised as not treated with PFAS and found PFAS in older gear but only tiny traces in the newer items.
However, all gear contained brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and the researchers ask for more research and clearer information from manufacturers.
Difficult words
- textile — cloth material used to make clothing or geartextiles
- turnout gear — protective clothing firefighters wear at work
- treat — apply a chemical or process to somethingtreated
- resist — not be affected by heat, water, or oil
- link — show a connection between two thingslinked
- flame retardant — a chemical that slows or stops fireflame retardants
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you want firefighters to use gear without PFAS? Why or why not?
- Do you think manufacturers should give more information about chemicals in gear? Why?
- Have you seen clothing or gear that says it is water- or oil-resistant? What did you think?
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