Evaluating the performance of surfactant and charcoal-based cleaning products to effectively remove PAHs from firefighter gear

Firefighters regularly respond to fire scenes where a mixture of chemicals including volatile, semi-volatile, and nonvolatile compounds are present in smoke soot. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) common contaminants at that may be deposited on the gear individual firefighter. Laundering is approach for decontamination contaminated gear. Surfactants widely used by firefighters during laundering remove PAHs as they generally non-toxic biodegradable. The removal depends surfactant types, chemistries, concentrations. This study evaluated effect concentrations persistent like from turnout cleaning performance different types surfactants was also evaluated. Outer shell fabrics were with standard 16 PAH compounds, two commercial detergents Additionally, efficacy eight commercially available regular charcoal-based products determined against single concentration. For method, bench-scale washing procedure simulating National Fire Protection Assocation 1851 process used. high molecular weight (HMW) found lower compared low any type or concentration detergent. Our research showed recommended provided detergent manufacturers can ineffective removing HMW heavily fabric. With 1 mL 100-mL bath, which multiple times higher than amount, only 40% removed. increased above 90% using detergents. shows need use amount effectively All able when