A Field Deployable Kit for Removal of Aromatic Hydrocarbon and Heavy Metal Contaminants from Firefighter Turnout Gear

There is currently no universal methodology for decontaminating post-incident firefighter gear, and available washing procedures are both time consuming and have yet to be proven effective. PSI proposes to develop a standardized firefighter field decontamination kit that includes a customized detergent. The detergent is specifically formulated to eliminate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and volatile organic hydrocarbons (VOCs). The key innovation is the combination of three components, each individually selected to target a different contaminant class. Application of the PSI kit and detergent will remove >95% of all contaminants present in smoke, reducing the need for cumbersome machine washing. The kit itself is simple, inexpensive, requires no additional implements, does not affect response time, and is compliant with NFPA 1851 protocols. During Phase I, PSI will develop and evaluate the specially formulated detergent, and prove that >95% removal of PAHs and >99% removal of heavy metals from turnout gear material is possible. PSI will use the information gathered in Phase I to develop a novel negative-pressure dryer and prototype kit during the Phase I option. The prototype kit will be pilot-tested by the Lawrence, MA Fire Department during Phase II.