Best practices for glove use can mitigate firefighter cancer risk during cleanup
Responding to firefighters’ concerns about exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, University of Washington researchers launched a project to provide clear, evidence-based guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE). This effort is part of a larger initiative to reduce cancer risks among firefighters.
This project focused on glove use and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are byproducts of incomplete combustion. They include both known and probable carcinogens and may contribute to excess cancer-related deaths. While PPE can effectively prevent skin exposure to PAHs during active fire suppression, risks remain during cleanup activities such as field decontamination and demobilization, making the choice of gloves for these tasks especially important.
Between 2021 and 2024, the project examined glove use during post-fire activities and tested commonly used gloves to evaluate how well they reduce PAH exposure.
Understanding glove use
Researchers surveyed 364 members of the Washington State Council of Firefighters (WSCFF), which revealed a wide variety of glove choices. Many firefighters relied on personal judgment due to the lack of clear guidance, which can increase risk, especially for those who underestimate or are unaware of PAH hazards.
These findings highlighted the need for consistent policies and best practices, while also pointing to which gloves should undergo further testing.
Testing glove effectiveness
Based on the survey results, researchers tested three commonly used glove types:
- Structural gloves, used by 28% of firefighters surveyed (mixed materials with added heat resistance and moisture barriers)
- Leather gloves, used by 22%
- Leather gloves layered with a nitrile glove (4%)
Each type was evaluated for comfort, precision and control during demobilization tasks, and effectiveness in reducing PAH exposure through dermal sampling.
Key findings for glove using during demobilization (cleanup activities)
- Protective option: Leather gloves layered with a nitrile glove provided the best protection against PAH exposures during cleanup. This decreases lifetime cancer risk while also offering better usability and comfort.
- Cross-contamination risk: Re-wearing structural gloves during cleanup increased the risk of contamination. Structural gloves used during fire suppression had PAH contamination on the inner layer. This contamination was transferred to the skin during cleanup.
- Importance of decontamination: Premoistened wipes are very effective at reducing exposure, but only if hands are cleaned thoroughly and carefully immediately after glove removal.
- Glove type matters: Structural gloves resulted in the highest dermal PAH exposure (2.56 ug/m2), nearly double that of leather gloves (1.31 ug/m2). Nitrile-layered gloves offered the greatest protection with the lowest exposure (0.33 ug/m2).
- Glove choice influences cancer risk: Lifetime cancer risk from exposure to benzo(a)pyrene during demobilization varied by glove type. Statistically significant differences in lifetime cancer risk were seen between structural and leather gloves. Using clean gloves during cleanup results in lower dermal exposures. Preventing water intrusion and recontamination can be improved by using nitrile-layered leather gloves.
Employer-level factors play a key role in how firefighters select, use and decontaminate gloves after fires. Employers can directly strengthen post-fire glove use by ensuring glove quality and availability. Because employers have substantial influence on PPE practices, prioritizing them will lead to improved PPE compliance.
Partners
- Central Pierce Fire & Rescue (CPFR)
- Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority (PSRFA)
- Washington State Council of Firefighters
Funding and support for this project has been provided by the State of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries, Safety & Health Investment Projects.
About us
This project was led by Elena Austin, ScD, MS, associate professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on occupational and environmental exposures.
Contact us
Elena Austin, ScD, MS
Associate Professor
University of Washington
elaustin@uw.edu