It ain't fashion, if it ain't sustainable

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Textile Sorting / NIST Database

9 January 2025

2 minutes

A clothing sample is analysed using an analytical lab technique called near-infrared spectroscopy.

NIST Database of Molecular Fingerprints of Fabrics Will Help Increase Recycling of Textiles and Clothing, Now Available for Free

The US’ measurement institute could have made textile sorting a tad easier with the development of a database that contains the molecular “fingerprints” of 64 different fabric types.

Staff Writer

Tackling PFAS / Firefighter Gear

19 December 2024

2 minutes

The NIST team tested four types of gloves, eight types of hoods, and nine types of wildland firefighter gear from several manufacturers of firefighter gear in 2021–23. They found found measurable amounts of PFAS in 25 of the 32 textile samples.

Researchers Find PFAS in Firefighter Gloves, Hoods and Wildland Gear

A new study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that probed the level of PFAS in protective clothing worn by firefighters and how wear and tear can increase the amount of measurable PFAS in these garments revealed quantifiable amounts in 25 of the 32 textile samples tested.

Staff Writer

Protective Clothing / PFAS Release

22 January 2024

3 minutes

Research suggests that firefighters may have a higher risk for certain types of cancer than the general population does, though that is not necessarily due to PFAS specifically. Turnout gear includes pants, coats, gloves, boots and helmets.

Wear and Tear May Cause Firefighter Gear to Release More Toxic PFAS, Finds Research

Two studies—one of them recent—have identified the PFAS compounds present in selected turnout gear textiles used by firefighters, how much of each was present, and whether simulated wear and tear increased the amount of PFAS that the textiles released.