The Toxic Risks of Inadequate Protection for First Responders Using Fire Blankets
At a recent global forum with representatives from more than 60 countries, one issue cut through the noise: the measurable penetration of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and heavy metals through firefighters’ PPE and fire blankets.
The uncomfortable truth is that fire blankets, often promoted as protective, can actually trap and concentrate toxic gases. Instead of shielding responders, they may increase their exposure.
This is especially concerning in the context of lithium-ion battery (LiB) fires, which are now a common risk across transport, energy storage, and everyday devices. These incidents release a highly toxic cocktail of by-products, including volatile fluorinated gases, particulate-bound metals, and extreme thermal surges.
The Real Risks Facing Responders
These hazards present both immediate and long-term consequences:
- Acute risks: severe burns, inhalation injuries, and dermal contamination
- Chronic risks: significantly elevated cancer rates among firefighters, with evidence linking exposures to testicular cancer and other occupational diseases
EHS International, in collaboration with INTOX at Ulster University, has been working to ensure these risks are not ignored.
The Gap Between Evidence and Practice
Despite clear scientific evidence, many lithium-ion battery fire demonstrations still feature responders wearing little or no protective equipment. This creates several problems:
- It downplays the occupational risks of toxic inhalation and skin contamination
- It prioritises product marketing over responder safety
- It normalises unsafe practices for frontline personnel
Why This Matters
Lithium-ion thermal runaway is unlike any conventional fire scenario:
- Temperatures can exceed 700 °C in seconds
- HF and metal particulates remain in the environment long after flames are extinguished
- Standard PPE is often inadequate, allowing toxic exposures that can lead to long-term health damage
Epidemiological studies now confirm that firefighters face markedly higher cancer risks, with some estimates suggesting one in five may develop occupational cancers.
Policy and Training Must Catch Up
Findings from Ulster University FireSert reinforce that current PPE standards do not fully protect against HF and metal exposures. Training and demonstrations must reflect the real hazards, not a sanitised version.
Recommendations for Safer Practice
All lithium-ion battery fire training should:
- Mandate full and appropriate PPE, including respiratory protection
- Incorporate accurate representations of toxic and thermal hazards
- Prioritise responder safety over optics or sales messaging
By adopting these standards, regulators, training providers, and industry stakeholders can:
- Reduce unnecessary exposure risks during demonstrations
- Deliver evidence-based safety training
- Safeguard the long-term health of first responders
How EHS International Can Help
At EHS International, we are actively addressing this challenge through:
- Specialist lithium-ion battery fire training that reflects real-world hazards
- PPE assessments and advisory services to ensure the right protective measures are in place
- Partnerships with leading research institutions such as INTOX and FireSert to provide evidence-based solutions
- Practical safety demonstrations and consultancy to help organisations align policy, practice, and regulatory compliance
Bottom Line
Fire blankets and standard PPE are not enough. If organisations continue to underplay the risks of lithium-ion battery fires, we will continue to place our firefighters and first responders in preventable danger.
EHS International is committed to changing that reality. By bridging the gap between science, training, and practice, we help ensure responders go home safe—and stay healthy long after their service.
For more information on our training programmes, PPE advisory services, or to speak to one of our lithium-ion fire specialists, visit EHS International’s website or contact our team at [email protected] | +353 (0)21 206 6006.