A multi-institutional research project is currently taking place at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI). This study isn’t just looking at contaminants on firefighter gear—it’s also examining how these harmful substances might affect the skin. Additionally, researchers are tracking the gases released when furniture and carpets burn. The team includes experts from IFSI, UL, NIOSH, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Skidmore College.
Twelve firefighters and researchers participated in the first phase of the study. Before starting, each firefighter had blood drawn, their vital signs and body temperature were recorded, and urine samples were collected to check for biomarkers and hydration levels. They were also equipped with a heart-monitoring device that would track their condition for the next 12 hours.
Dr. Denise Smith explained that part of the study focuses on how firefighting impacts the cardiovascular system. “We talk about getting the rig back into service, but we’re trying to understand how long it takes for a firefighter to recover after an incident. We want to see if there are any changes in their body hours after the event,†she said.
Every year, numerous firefighters lose their lives not during the actual fire, but in the hours following the incident. This study aims to uncover why that happens and what can be done to prevent it.
To ensure accurate results, the firefighters wore brand-new gear to avoid contamination from previous use. Each carried three small chemical collection units—about the size of a portable radio—in their coat pockets. After completing their tasks, these devices were removed and analyzed for toxic exposure.
UL and NIOSH engineers set up advanced equipment to monitor gas levels and heat inside rooms that would be exposed to fire or smoke. UL Research Engineer Robin Zevotek installed thermal sensors throughout the test areas, spaced two feet apart vertically in some rooms and one foot apart in others. He could monitor the temperatures in real time using a nearby display.
In the hallway, sensors were placed at one, three, and five-foot levels. The lowest sensor was positioned where a victim might be found, while the others simulated conditions for firefighters either crawling or walking through the area.
This comprehensive approach is helping researchers better understand the hidden dangers firefighters face—and how to protect them more effectively.