For decades, the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were the unsung heroes of firefighter protection. They provided the slick, repellent coating that allowed water, oil, and hydraulic fluid to bead right off our sleeves. However, as the link between these chemicals and firefighter cancer rates became undeniable, the industry made a pivotal shift toward PFAS-free turnout gear.
While this change is a massive win for long-term health, it comes with a “trade-off” in performance. If your department is transitioning to this new generation of PPE, you need to throw the old maintenance playbook out the window.
1. From Repellent to Absorbent
The most immediate difference you’ll notice is how the gear handles fluids. Without the PFAS coating, the outer shell is naturally more porous. In the past, a splash of diesel might have rolled off your gear; now, it is likely to soak in.
- The Risk: Absorbed hydrocarbons are flammable. If your gear is “fuel-soaked,” its thermal protection is compromised.
- The Fix: Decontamination must happen immediately after exposure. You can no longer wait until the end of the week to wash a “lightly soiled” coat.
2. The pH Balance Battle
The moisture barriers in PFAS-free gear are high-tech but sensitive. Using standard industrial detergents can be a death sentence for your PPE.
- Use pH-Neutral Detergents: You must use specialized soaps with a pH between 6.0 and 10.5. Anything outside this range can prematurely degrade the fibers and the moisture barrier.
- No Bleach, Ever: It sounds obvious, but even trace amounts of chlorine bleach can destroy the tensile strength of the fabric.
3. Watch the Temperature
Heat is a firefighter’s natural enemy, both on the fireground and in the laundry room. To preserve the integrity of the new PFAS-free materials, you must keep your wash temperatures low.
Pro Tip: Ensure your extractor is set to no higher than 105°F (40°C). High heat during the wash cycle can “cook” the specialized coatings and cause the layers to delaminate.
Summary
PFAS-free gear is a commitment to your health, but it requires a higher level of “gear hygiene.” By staying diligent with immediate decontamination and using the right chemistry in the wash, you ensure that your gear protects you just as well as you protect your community.