The Path to PFAS Free Verification for Fire Service Fabrics

Milliken secures independent verification from Forever Analytical as the fire service industry reaches an inflection point on PFAS and transparency.

• By Jesse Jacobs
• Mar 11, 2026

Firefighting gear is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by a convergence of legislative pressure, health advocacy and a demand for radical transparency. As fire departments across the country grapple with a patchwork of state regulations, the focus has shifted from simple manufacturer claims to rigorous, independent verification.

In late 2025, Milliken & Company took a proactive step in this evolution by seeking voluntary, third-party testing from Forever Analytical. The move comes as the industry reaches what experts call an "inflection point" regarding the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in turnout gear.

"The fire service industry is at an inflection point," said Ramesh Kesh, senior vice president and business manager for Milliken’s apparel business. "Over the past several years, awareness of the use of PFAS in turnout gear has accelerated due to firefighter-led advocacy, evolving state legislation and increasing scrutiny of supply chain claims."

Navigating a Complex Regulatory Landscape

The shift away from "forever chemicals" is no longer a voluntary trend but a regulatory mandate in many jurisdictions. Currently, more than 18 states have enacted or proposed laws regarding PFAS in firefighting equipment. These laws vary significantly, with some focusing on "intentionally added" chemicals and others setting strict thresholds for total organic fluorine.

According to Kesh, the decision to seek independent verification was a response to the increasing number of departments submitting their own gear for testing. By providing objective data, manufacturers can help departments navigate high-stakes purchasing decisions under new legal pressures.

"Independent, third-party verification provides additional objective confirmation at a time when departments are making high-stakes purchasing decisions," Kesh said. "The timing aligned with three realities: regulatory momentum, growing fire department desire for independent testing and the continued need for scientifically defensible transparency."

The Science of "Non-Detect"

To ensure the most comprehensive screening, the testing focused on total fluorine rather than a specific list of compounds. Because there are thousands of known PFAS chemistries, targeted testing can often leave gaps where alternative or replacement chemistries might exist.

Since all PFAS contain carbon-fluorine bonds, measuring total fluorine serves as a broad and reliable indicator of whether any fluorinated chemistry is present. While specific detection limits are proprietary to the laboratory, Kesh noted that the sensitivity used by Forever Analytical is well below current regulatory thresholds.

The study also screened for Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs). Like PFAS, BFRs are a class of halogenated chemistries that the fire service is increasingly moving away from.

"By screening for fluorine and bromine, the study reinforces that Milliken’s fire service fabrics are not dependent on halogenated flame-retardant platforms," Kesh said. "This broader validation aligns with growing industry efforts to move away from this class of chemistries wherever viable alternatives exist."

Engineering Performance Without PFAS

One of the primary hurdles in the transition to PFAS-free gear has been maintaining the essential oil and fuel repellency required for the outer shell of turnout gear. Traditionally, these properties were achieved through fluorinated surface finishes.

Milliken’s Horizon outer shell addresses this through a "systems-level" approach to textile engineering. Rather than relying on a chemical coating, the fabric utilizes inherent fiber properties and an engineered construction.

"The key distinction is that performance is built into the textile rather than applied through persistent PFAS surface chemistries," Kesh explained.

A Focus on Risk Mitigation

While the health impacts of PFAS exposure remain a central concern for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, material science companies are focusing their efforts on providing the tools necessary for risk reduction.

"Our role is to innovate responsibly and provide transparent data so departments can make informed decisions based on their own policies, assessments and regulatory landscape," Kesh said.

By removing intentionally added PFAS and BFRs, the goal is to provide departments with the documentation needed to comply with evolving laws while reducing the introduction of these persistent chemistries into the environment.