The hidden risk in firefighter gear that the US Army says it is removing
Iain Hoey
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First Army unit transitions to PFAS-free bunker gear
The US Army has reported that its Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) 596th Transportation Brigade has completed a full transition to PFAS-free firefighting gear.
The Army explained that this marks the first time a unit has entirely replaced bunker gear previously containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals”.
According to the Army, PFAS were historically used in firefighting protective clothing for water and heat resistance, but exposure has been linked in research to elevated cancer risks.
The transition began at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point in North Carolina and at Military Ocean Terminal Concord in California.
Bunker gear refers to the full protective suits worn by structural firefighters, designed to withstand high heat and hazardous conditions.
Leadership focus on firefighter protection
Lance Stratton, chief of SDDC’s Protection and Mission Assurance Division, said: “We acknowledged the potential health and safety risks associated with long-term exposure to forever chemicals and took action to improve the protection of our firefighters.
“This was about making sure the people protecting our facilities and communities are as safe as possible.”
Stratton noted that the process was slowed by difficulty in sourcing suitable equipment in the volumes needed.
He credited Fire Chief Michael Fox of Sunny Point for ensuring the procurement remained a command priority.
“Chief Fox was undeterred in his efforts,” Stratton said. “He made this procurement process a priority across the command.”
Legacy of Chief Scott
Fox explained that the initiative was originally championed by Chief Michael Scott, the former Sunny Point fire chief who died from cancer in April.
“Unfortunately, Chief Scott lost his battle with cancer earlier this year, which made the issue very personal for us,” Fox said.
“We pressed forward with his plan to keep our personnel as safe as we possibly can.
“Firefighting is inherently dangerous—the things we can see remind us of that.
“The things we can’t see are often the ones that get us.
“Carcinogens are everywhere.”
Scott’s death reinforced the risks posed by hidden chemical exposures faced by firefighters.
Procurement and standards compliance
The Army reported that following research and coordination with other departments, including Naval Air Station Key West, the brigade selected Honeywell’s Morning Pride gear.
It said the product meets or exceeds National Fire Protection Association requirements without containing PFAS.
The gear was obtained through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Fire and Emergency Services Equipment Tailored Logistics Support Program.
The Army confirmed that the first shipment was delivered on 28 July.
Fox said: “The new gear has been very well received.
“Knowing there is one less thing lurking in the gear that’s supposed to keep you safe is reassuring.”
Broader Department of Defense policy
According to the Army, this step aligns with wider Department of Defense measures to eliminate PFAS in both firefighting foams and protective clothing.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act directed the phase-out of aqueous film-forming foam containing PFAS by 2024, with possible extensions until 2026.
Stratton added: “PFAS, and their potential link to cancer, are a significant concern for firefighters.
“It strikes especially close to home for our team at Sunny Point.”
Fox added that he hopes the transition will be noticed beyond SDDC.
“Our job as leaders is to ensure our personnel go home after every shift,” Fox said.
“This is one more way we can help make that happen.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This development highlights a shift in firefighting equipment procurement policies within the US military, moving towards PFAS-free materials.
It shows how health risks connected to turnout gear are being addressed at organisational level.
The process also reflects the challenges of vendor sourcing and compliance with National Fire Protection Association standards.
Fire and safety professionals may find lessons in the Army’s approach to policy, logistics and the influence of leadership on health protection initiatives.
US Army adopts PFAS-free firefighting gear: Summary
The US Army has confirmed that its Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command 596th Transportation Brigade has transitioned to PFAS-free bunker gear.
The gear was implemented at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point in North Carolina and Military Ocean Terminal Concord in California.
The Army reported that PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” have been linked in studies to cancer risk.
Lance Stratton, chief of the Protection and Mission Assurance Division, said the initiative was taken to protect firefighters.
Fire Chief Michael Fox noted that the programme was begun by former Chief Michael Scott, who died from cancer in April.
Honeywell’s Morning Pride gear was selected for meeting National Fire Protection Association standards without PFAS.
Procurement was completed through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Fire and Emergency Services Equipment Tailored Logistics Support Program.
The first shipment of gear was delivered on 28 July.
The Army said this action aligns with Department of Defense goals to remove PFAS from firefighting foams and protective clothing.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act mandated a PFAS phase-out by 2024, with potential extensions until 2026.
Stratton said concerns about cancer made this change personal for the team at Sunny Point.
Fox said the gear provides reassurance by removing one risk from firefighter protective equipment.