DUSRC Director and Project 1 lead, Heather Stapleton, along with colleagues Nicholas Herkert (Duke University), Sharon Zhang (Duke University), Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder (NCSU), R. Bryan Ormond (NCSU), and Derek Urwin (UCLA) recently published research in Environmental Science & Technology Letters analyzing two classes of chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs), in firefighter turnout gear. The study tested firefighter turnout gear in use by fire services in California, Maryland, and North Carolina and manufactured before and after 2022, when water repellent PFAS finishes were phased out. The authors were interested in understanding non-PFAS compounds, such as BFRs, that may be used as an alternative to PFAS especially in the gear’s moisture barrier. This study contributes to a growing body of research about the potential sources of exposure for public safety professionals from PFAS and non-PFAS treated gear. More on the study can be found in Duke TODAY and in a recorded interview on WPTF-AM (Raleigh, NC).
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) in Firefighter Turnout Gear: Two Chemical Classes of Concern to Consider. Nicholas J. Herkert, Sharon Zhang, Nur-Us-Shafa Mazumder, R. Bryan Ormond, Derek Urwin, and Heather M. Stapleton. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, Dec 16, 2025. DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.5c01153
