Why does turnout gear contain PFAS?
PFAS are a major constituent of the moisture barrier, and they have been used in durable water repellent (DWR) finishes that provide water and oil repellency which have been applied to the outer shell, some thermal liners, and portions of the moisture barrier laminate in order to meet the testing requirements of the National Fire Protection Association’s 1971 Standard.
As of 2022, most turnout gear manufacturers began offering PFAS-free DWRs, yet the expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) moisture barriers still contain and emit PFAS.
Section 8.62 of NFPA Standard 1971 requires a light degradation resistance test for moisture barrier materials, which is preventing PFAS-free moisture barrier alternatives from coming to market.
Additionally, other elements within the NFPA 1971 standard and the new NFPA 1970 consolidated standard, which will replace NFPA 1971, serve as barriers to members being able to acquire verifiable PFAS-free turnout gear.