The U.S. Forest Service has halted the distribution of firefighter pants containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” following a report detailing the agency’s prior knowledge of the potential health risks. This decision marks a significant shift in policy, addressing concerns raised by firefighters and researchers about exposure to these potentially harmful substances. The move comes after a ProPublica investigation revealed that the Forest Service continued to issue gear containing PFAS even after learning of the risks, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.
For years, wildland firefighters have relied on protective gear treated with PFAS to repel water and fuel, crucial in their dangerous line of operate. However, growing evidence links PFAS exposure to a range of health problems, including certain cancers, immune deficiencies, and thyroid disruption. Whereas municipal fire departments have increasingly moved away from PFAS-containing gear, the Forest Service’s response has been slower, leaving firefighters potentially vulnerable to these health risks. The agency’s recent actions represent a belated acknowledgement of these concerns and a commitment to protecting the health of its personnel.
The investigation by ProPublica highlighted that as recently as 2023, TenCate, a supplier to the Forest Service, was using PFAS compounds in a Kevlar-blend pant fabric. These finishes were specifically applied to enhance the fabric’s resistance to gasoline and water. Internal emails obtained by ProPublica showed that Forest Service officials were aware of the PFAS content but did not proactively inform firefighters about the potential exposure. This lack of transparency fueled criticism and underscored the need for greater communication regarding potential health hazards.
Forest Service Response and Gear Recall
On February 11, 2026, following the publication of the ProPublica article, the Forest Service initiated a “hold” on issuing the affected pants. According to an email from a Forest Service cache manager, the directive was issued to widely distribute the information. However, initial guidance was limited, leaving incident management teams uncertain about how to proceed. A wildland firefighter, speaking anonymously to protect their employment, reported that teams were seeking clarification from the agency but received little direction. The Forest Service subsequently issued a statement to ProPublica acknowledging the issue and stating that the pants had been removed from available stock in National Interagency Support Caches.
The agency also announced that it is updating its requirements to explicitly prohibit the use of PFAS in fabric treatments and fabrics. In a staff email released on February 16, 2026, the Forest Service instructed personnel to discontinue use of the older pants and replace them with PFAS-free alternatives. TenCate reportedly informed the Forest Service that a PFAS-free finish was available as early as January 2023, raising questions about why the transition wasn’t implemented sooner. The Forest Service’s email to staff detailing the change can be found on DocumentCloud.
The Broader PFAS Issue in Firefighting Gear
The concerns surrounding PFAS in firefighting gear extend beyond the Forest Service. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been widely used in protective clothing for decades due to their ability to repel water, oil, and other hazardous substances. However, the persistence of these chemicals in the environment and their potential health effects have led to increasing scrutiny. Many municipal fire departments are now actively seeking PFAS-free alternatives, and some have already phased out gear containing these chemicals.
Firefighters across multiple states have filed class-action lawsuits against manufacturers alleging harm caused by PFAS exposure. These lawsuits highlight the potential financial and health burdens associated with PFAS contamination. Research on the specific health impacts of PFAS exposure on wildland firefighters has lagged behind that of municipal firefighters, partly due to limited access to wildland crews and a historical focus on smoke inhalation risks. Jeff Burgess, a professor and researcher at the University of Arizona, is currently leading long-term studies on firefighter health, aiming to better understand the risks associated with PFAS and other carcinogens. He notes that smoke inhalation and soot accumulation remain primary concerns for wildland firefighters, but the potential contribution of PFAS exposure is increasingly recognized.
NFPA Standards and Future Regulations
Fire departments generally adhere to safety standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a non-profit organization that develops consensus standards for fire safety. The NFPA’s standards are widely adopted by government agencies, including the Forest Service. In 2025, the NFPA updated its standards for municipal firefighters to restrict the levels of certain PFAS chemicals in protective gear. However, a parallel update for wildland firefighter gear has not yet been implemented.
Rick Swan, a member of the NFPA committee overseeing wildland firefighting standards, stated that a restriction on PFAS in wildland gear is “all but inevitable.” He explained that the process of developing standards is deliberate and thorough, but the need to address PFAS exposure is widely recognized. An NFPA spokesperson confirmed that the committee will “likely consider this issue again” in the near future. The NFPA’s website provides detailed information on its standards and the process for updating them: https://www.nfpa.org/.
Understanding PFAS and Their Health Risks
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. These chemicals are known for their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in the human body. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a variety of health problems, including increased cholesterol levels, immune system suppression, thyroid disease, and certain types of cancer. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides comprehensive information on PFAS and their health effects: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/index.html.
The specific risks associated with PFAS exposure for wildland firefighters are still being investigated. However, experts believe that firefighters may be exposed through several pathways, including direct contact with contaminated gear, inhalation of PFAS-containing particles, and ingestion of contaminated water or food. The unique challenges faced by wildland firefighters, such as prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions and limited access to clean water, may increase their vulnerability to PFAS-related health problems.
The Forest Service’s decision to halt the distribution of PFAS-containing pants and transition to PFAS-free alternatives is a positive step towards protecting the health of wildland firefighters. However, ongoing research and continued vigilance are essential to fully understand the risks associated with PFAS exposure and ensure the safety of those who protect our forests and communities.
The agency has not yet announced a timeline for completing the transition to PFAS-free gear, but officials have indicated that they are working closely with suppliers to expedite the process. Further updates on the Forest Service’s PFAS policy and the availability of PFAS-free gear are expected in the coming months. The situation remains fluid, and continued monitoring of developments is crucial for all stakeholders.
Key Takeaways:
- The U.S. Forest Service has stopped issuing firefighter pants containing PFAS.
- The decision follows a ProPublica report revealing the agency’s prior knowledge of the health risks associated with these chemicals.
- The NFPA is likely to update its standards for wildland firefighter gear to restrict PFAS.
- Ongoing research is needed to fully understand the health impacts of PFAS exposure on firefighters.
This is a developing story. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Please also share this article with anyone who may be affected by PFAS exposure.