InToxFIRE: Investigation of Toxic Chemicals Transfer Through Clothing Layers of Fire Suits

Understanding the nature of transferred toxicants and, most importantly, determining their quantities are of paramount importance for firefighters, manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing, regulators, and health and safety specialists who seek robust, long-term solutions to the problem of repeated exposure to toxic combustion products.

Funded by UL Research Institutes (USA), InToxFire is a three-year project that will investigate whether elements of firefighters' clothing let toxic chemicals, present in fire effluent transfer through them toward the skin. The project will also determine the nature and concentration levels of toxic chemicals on both sides of the clothing layers.

The data generated through this project will define and support necessary modifications to the current design of firefighters’ suits, enhancing protection for fire and rescue personnel from the toxicological impacts of fire effluent constituents. The resulting evidence base will contribute to safer working conditions for firefighters, ultimately improving the health and well-being of first responders.

For more information about the project, please refer to the "About" tab on the website.