Persistent PAH Residues on Firefighter Turnout Gear: Insights into Contamination Patterns and Decontamination Gaps

1418 

Professional Poster 

Y Lin¹

¹Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Yu-Wen Lin  
Fu Jen Catholic University

Firefighters face repeated exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which accumulate on turnout gear and remain a source of secondary exposure. This study presents the first time-series investigation in Taiwan of PAH contamination following real-world fire responses. Wipe samples were collected from four fire stations in New Taipei City, Taiwan, across outer shells, inner liners, and helmets.

Results showed gear from high-intensity incidents contained the broadest range of PAHs, often exceeding ten species per sample. Outer shells exhibited the highest contamination, while individual variability suggested that roles, duration, and gear condition influenced exposure loads. Follow-up sampling over four days revealed that PAHs decreased over time but not uniformly. Lighter compounds such as naphthalene dissipated more quickly, while higher-molecular-weight species such as chrysene and benz(a)anthracene persisted. Notably, toxic equivalent (TEQ) values remained above background on Day 4, indicating incomplete clearance by natural dissipation.

These findings confirm that PAH residues are widespread and persistent. Current cleaning practices are insufficient to remove contamination effectively, highlighting the need for improved decontamination technologies, targeted cleaning of high-risk areas, and evidence-based policies to reduce firefighters' cumulative exposure and long-term cancer risk.

Firefighters are consistently exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), potent carcinogens formed during combustion. While turnout gear is designed to serve as a barrier, it frequently becomes a reservoir for PAH residues. Field studies show that PAHs accumulate on both the outer surfaces and inner clothing layers beneath personal protective equipment (PPE), with compounds such as benzo[a]pyrene and phenanthrene often detected at measurable concentrations. These residues persist after fire responses and can be transferred to skin, contributing to chronic dermal exposure.

Although gross decontamination and industrial laundering are widely practiced, evidence indicates that these methods do not fully remove PAHs from PPE. Contaminated gear can continue to release PAHs during storage, reuse, and even within fire stations, creating additional exposure pathways beyond the fireground. The persistence of PAHs underscores a major limitation in current decontamination protocols and management practices.

This ongoing contamination represents a critical occupational hygiene challenge. Without effective strategies to eliminate PAH residues from PPE, firefighters remain at risk of repeated and long-term exposure. Systematic evaluation of residue patterns and improved cleaning technologies are urgently needed to strengthen protection and reduce the health burden among this workforce.

This study investigated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) residues on firefighter turnout gear following real-world fire responses. Wipe sampling was conducted immediately after firefighting and repeated daily for up to five consecutive days (Day 1–Day 5) to capture time-dependent changes in contamination. Three firefighters were randomly selected at each fire scene.

Sampling procedure: Pre-cut cotton wipes (10.5 × 6.5 cm) were pre-soaked in 0.4% benzalkonium chloride solution. Using a 10 × 10 cm template, each designated area was wiped in a standardized pattern, with duplicate samples collected. Sampling locations included (1) the outer shell of the jacket abdomen, (2) the inner liner, and (3) the helmet exterior. Field blanks were prepared during each sampling event.

Sample handling and analysis: Collected wipes were sealed in light-protected bags, stored at 4 °C, and transported to an accredited laboratory for analysis. PAHs were quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Shimadzu GC-2030 with QP2020NX MS and a DB-EUPAH column, 30 m × 0.25 mm ID × 0.25 µm film). Sixteen priority PAHs were targeted, and toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQ) were calculated using established toxicity equivalency factors (TEFs) with benzo[a]pyrene as the reference compound.

This approach enabled assessment of both initial contamination and residue dissipation across multiple gear components, providing a time-series profile of PAH persistence and highlighting the potential for secondary exposure during repeated gear use.

Results
Surface samples from firefighter turnout gears were collected from four fire stations in New Taipei City (Linkou, Yingge, Sanchong, and Bali), consistently showing contamination by PAHs. Detected species included naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, and benzo(k)fluoranthene. Gear samples from high-intensity incidents, such as Sanchong, a fire accident of an aged residential complex, contained the broadest spectrum of compounds, often exceeding ten PAHs per sample.

Surface concentrations differed among gear components. Outer shells showed the most significant contamination, followed by helmet exteriors and inner liners. Differences among firefighters at the same incident suggested that exposure loads were influenced by task assignment, duration, and gear condition.
Follow-up sampling over four consecutive days demonstrated that contamination diminished over time but not uniformly. Toxic equivalent (TEQ) values were highest immediately after fire responses and decreased with each subsequent day. Lighter compounds, such as naphthalene, dissipated relatively quickly, whereas higher-molecular-weight compounds such as chrysene and benz(a)anthracene persisted longer. Importantly, measurable TEQ values remained above background levels even on Day 4, indicating incomplete clearance by natural dissipation.

These findings confirm that PAH residues are both widespread and persistent, with residue lifespans varying by compound and gear location.

Conclusions
This study provides the first time-series evidence in Taiwan showing that firefighter turnout gear remains contaminated with PAHs for several days after fire suppression. The persistence of these toxic compounds highlights an under-recognized pathway for secondary exposure in stations, vehicles, and daily reuse of gear.

Key takeaway lessons include:
1. Current decontamination and laundering practices are insufficient to remove PAHs effectively.
2. Routine monitoring and evidence-based cleaning frequencies are essential to reduce cumulative exposure.
3. Special attention should be given to outer shells and high-contamination zones, which retain residues longer.
4. Policy guidance and investment in more effective decontamination technologies are urgently needed.
5. Addressing these gaps will strengthen occupational hygiene strategies and better protect firefighters from long-term cancer risks and other health impacts.

Personal Protective Equipment

Exposure Assessment