Why is PFAS used in firefighters protective gear

What Are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of man-made chemicals that are found in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. From cosmetics to cleaning supplies, packaging to pots and pans, PFAS have been utilized for decades; the durability and resilience of PFAS particles results in products that are resistant to water, oil, stains and extreme heat. In the fire service industry, its turnout gear and firefighting AFFF foam have traditionally depended on the presence of PFAS to keep our firefighters safe on the front lines and more quickly address the dangers on scene. In turnout gear specifically, PFAS chemistries were used in durable water repellent finishes that would make it possible for the fabric to repel water, oils, hydrocarbons, fuels, and other flammable and harmful liquids.

Regulations on PFAS in Firefighter Turnout Gear

States and municipalities across the country are increasingly regulating PFAS in firefighting gear.

The regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS in turnout gear is moving quickly, so it’s time to decide what’s next to ensure that your firefighters have turnout gear that meets all standards and state mandates. In short - it’s time to find gear that’s high-performing, durable, and comfortable, exceeding expectations and meeting regulations without the use of PFAS.

Answering the Call

There is a non-PFAS, non-halogenated FR product out there that gets the job done, without sacrificing comfort or performance, for members of the fire service. Fortunately, Milliken saw the writing on the wall and got to work. After announcing that it became the first U.S.-based textile manufacturer to remove PFAS from its textile fibers and finishes, Milliken is at the forefront of the movement to provide non-PFAS solutions for firefighter gear that are NFPA 1970-2018 . Additionally, these products are certified to the new, less stringent, NFPA 1970-2025 standard.

Safe and Effective Gear without PFAS

Milliken invested in innovation to meet an increased demand for next generation firefighting gear that exceeds safety and performance standards. The result: Milliken is the first U.S.-based manufacturer to offer a non-PFAS fabric for every layer of turnout gear, including outer shell, thermal liner, and moisture barrier.

Milliken’s non-PFAS system includes Milliken Assure™ an advanced FR moisture barrier that raises the bar for firefighter turnout gear. During third-party tests in November 2024, Assure™ exceeded NFPA Standard requirements for Total Heat Loss (THL) and Thermal Protective Performance (TPP). What this means: you can expect industry-leading levels of safety and comfort from your Milliken turnout gear, without the use of PFAS.

Milliken has been developing fabrics for the fire service industry for more than 50 years and has more than 80 years of flame resistance expertise, dating back to our work with the U.S. military during World War II. Our commitment to using science to solve our first responder's biggest challenges is steadfast and most importantly, proven.