A pivotal 1981 case in N.Y. shows that even standard PPE may not be enough to guard firefighters from chemical exposure. Highly toxic chemicals are present at nearly all fires nowadays — and it is getting worse ... Where you are vulnerable

Wis. departments join up to save on PPE

Attacks prompt bulletproof vests for firefighters in Calif.

Fed grants cover new turnouts for firefighters

Texas fire department known for ragtag equipment

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PPE101 is excited to offer you an opportunity to submit questions about your PPE in our Ask the Expert section. Fill out the simple form on the 'Ask the Expert' page, enter your question, and an answer will be emailed to you.

Testing contaminated gear is most effective when there is reason to believe that specific chemicals are involved. The analyses can then focus on identifying and quantifying those specific chemicals ...
But what if it's unknown?