The fire is out.
The toxins Remain.
Modern fire smoke contains very high concentrations of carcinogenic substances. During fire interventions, personal protective equipment (PPE) absorbs high concentrated toxins. If decontamination is inadequate or ineffective, these hazardous compounds remain embedded in the gear, exposing firefighters again every time the PPE is worn – potentially leading to serious long-term health consequences.
DECONTEX Services
For Firefighters
DECONTEX offers the most complete end-to-end PPE decontamination service worldwide for firefighters.
Discover DECONTEX Services
DECONTEX Technology
For Service Providers
DECONTEX patented Supercritical CO₂ Technology is the world’s most advanced solution for PPE decontamination.
Discover DECONTEX Technology
DECONTEX Academy
For training & education
The DECONTEX ACADEMY is an international training institute focused on PPE and high-performance technical textile decontamination.
Discover DECONTEX Academy
Exposure. Protection. Decontamination.
In 2022, the WHO reclassified the profession of firefighter from risk group 2B to Group 1A, the highest occupational cancer risk category. This reclassification is driven by two major factors:
- The increasing toxicity of fire smoke (primary exposure)
- New scientific findings on the health impact of wearing contaminated PPE (secondary exposure).
The WHO’s core message is clear: “minimize exposure by all available means”.
Decontex service is the best available solution for secondary exposure reduction.
Firefighter turnout gear absorbs the highest levels of contamination due to its multilayer filtration structure (including the moisture and thermal barriers). Studies have shown that, after exposure, contaminant concentrations within these layers can range up to 15 times above legally accepted exposure limits.
Advanced aqueous cleaning processes can effectively clean the textile component with an average efficiency of approximately 80%; however, the filter structure, which is water-impermeable, shows a significantly lower average cleaning efficiency of only 20%.
Contamination in FIRE GEAR after DECONTEX scCO2 DECONTAMINATION.
DECONTEX Supercritical CO₂ technology, operating at a density significantly lower than water, enables deep penetration into all layers of firefighting gear. This allows for the effective removal of contaminants throughout the full textile structure. Independently verified by UL.
Carcinogenic compounds in fire gear
A comparative study conducted by three independent notified bodies demonstrates a clear difference in the decontamination performance of various washing technologies.
Full Gear Decontamination Following Any BA Incident
The most effective way to significantly reduce the risk of cancer associated with secondary exposure is the complete decontamination of all firefighter PPE using verified DECONTEX technology. Best practice recommendations include at least annual full decontamination of all PPE, and mandatory decontamination of turnout gear after every incident where Breathing Apparatus (BA) was worn.What they say
DECONTEX CO₂ decontamination technology and seamless service, protecting firefighters from the hidden dangers of toxic fire smoke exposure around the globe.
Jan stated that Decontex was the only company that successfully met all the requirements of the European public tender for the cleaning and decontamination of firefighter PPE.
The reason Viking was selected is that this supplier collaborates with Decontex and has demonstrated through various tests that its products are fully compatible with Decontex technology. Compliance with Decontex technology was a key requirement in the procurement of new firefighting PPE.
With DECONTEX, we know our crews are better protected against the invisible dangers of toxic fire smoke. Their service sets a new benchmark for modern decontamination standards.
Decontex was chosen under a European Framework as partner due to its qualitative, sustainable and affordably priced services offering
What makes Decontex unique as a partner is the combination of innovation, reliability, and shared commitment to safety, sustainability, and customer success.
The Decontex model gives us access to truly differentiated technology, backed by strong operational support, validated performance, and a clear vision for the future of PPE decontamination.
If you can measure it, you can understand it.
DECONTEX is built on a strong scientific foundation, working closely with universities, independent notified bodies, and specialized laboratories to continuously validate and monitor the decontamination performance of its technology.
Chemical decontamination
reducing toxic contaminants below REACH and OEKO-TEX threshold levels - across all layers, every time.
Biological decontamination
achieving 10⁶ bacterial reduction and lipid virus inactivation across all PPE.
Physical decontamination
achieving up to 99% reduction of toxic metals, in line with NFPA 1850 standards.
Particle decontamination
reducing all asbestos types to zero across every PPE layer.
Decontamination is
not optional.
DECONTEX Verified Decontamination Service is the minimum standard for workplace safety and firefighter wellbeing.
Decontex centers
Protecting firefighters across the globe. Click a pin to view location details. In case there is no center, contact Decontex Headquarters.