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. While Milliken transitioned away from using PFAS in its fire service fabrics in 2021, the decision to seek outside validation reflects a new era of accountability.

"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 in scope, enforcement timelines and technical definitions. Some focus strictly on "intentionally added" chemicals, while others set 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 and aid in communication with municipal leaders and labor unions.

"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."

This transparency is critical because legislation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some states are phasing in bans tied to specific procurement cycles, while others are moving more aggressively now that non-PFAS materials have become commercially available. Providing a third-party report allows departments to reference empirical data rather than relying solely on manufacturer declarations during the procurement process.

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 for a limited list of substances 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 and methodologies remain the province of the laboratory, Kesh noted that the sensitivity used by Forever Analytical is well below current regulatory thresholds being implemented across multiple states.

This level of sensitivity provides confidence that materials do not contain intentionally added PFAS.

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. As the market demands gear free from these classes of chemicals, evaluating both substances became a priority for the study.

"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, which provided a high level of durability but relied on persistent chemistry.

Milliken’s Horizon outer shell addresses this through a "systems-level" approach to textile engineering. This method utilizes advanced fiber properties and engineered fabric constructions developed specifically for high-heat and high-exposure environments. Instead of a chemical coating that may degrade over time, the performance is integrated into the fabric itself using alternative durable repellency technologies.

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

This engineering shift is intended to meet required performance standards without the traditional reliance on PFAS-based treatments. By treating the fabric as a complete system—balancing fiber, weave and non-fluorinated chemistry—manufacturers can maintain the protective barriers necessary for the hazardous environments firefighters face daily.

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. The conversation has evolved from theoretical concerns to practical applications of cleaner technology.

"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.

While material science firms do not claim to be the final authority on health or environmental outcomes, the industry-wide move toward verified non-PFAS solutions is a direct response to the fire service's request for safer alternatives. 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.

As the regulatory landscape continues to shift, the reliance on independent, third-party data will likely become the standard for the industry. This proactive approach to testing ensures that, as new state laws emerge, fire departments are equipped with the evidence-based tools necessary to protect both their personnel and their communities.