IAFF and FDA warn firefighters against glutathione supplements

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued warnings against the use of glutathione, a supplement being offered to wildland firefighters via intravenous drip or nebulizer to combat smoke and PFAS exposure.

The IAFF stated there is no scientific evidence that glutathione can reduce forever chemical levels or relieve occupational exposures. Furthermore, the supplement is not an FDA-approved drug for these purposes. The advisory follows reports of the supplement being offered at wildfire camps by the Integrative Health Action Network, a nonprofit run by naturopathic doctors.

Safety concerns have intensified following a nationwide recall by Victory Medical Center Pharmacy in August after discovering elevated bacterial endotoxin levels in the drug. Reported adverse effects include fever, chills, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, and changes in blood pressure. The FDA has previously warned that such contamination could lead to serious medical events, including anaphylactic shock and death.