Hunter Blog
Decontamination Redefined: How Hunter’s Deconology® Is Changing the PPE Landscape for Firefighters A Closed-Loop System Designed to Tackle Hidden Hazards in Firefighter PPE
Leading the Way in Firefighter PPE Safety with Deconology®
At the forefront of firefighter health and safety, Hunter Apparel Solutions Limited (Hunter) has redefined what effective PPE management should look like. With more than two decades of innovation, Hunter’s commitment to frontline protection has culminated in Deconology®—a suite of advanced decontamination technology purpose-built for wearers of PPE.
From molecular-level cleaning with Liquid CO₂+ to intelligent PPE lifecycle tracking through HunterCARE®, Deconology® delivers a closed-loop system that ensures PPE is not only visibly clean, but scientifically safe.
From Badge of Honour to Hidden Hazard
For years fire fighters had soot-covered PPE which was worn as a badge of honour—a visual symbol of toughness and experience. Today, we understand the dangers better. Soot and deeply embedded contaminants such as PFAS, PAHs, and SVOCs are carcinogenic (according to IARC). Decontamination is no longer a procedural afterthought—it is a critical frontline defence against occupational illness.
A culture of unawareness was evident throughout much of the last century; the long-term dangers of toxic exposure were largely unknown. PPE was reused over extended periods with minimal, if any, cleaning. A clean kit was mocked; dirty PPE was respected. This tradition, however well-intentioned, coincided with increasing rates of cancer diagnoses within the fire service.
Improvements, but Not Enough.
By the early 2000s, extractor washers became more commonplace. While they effectively removed biological matter and visible dirt, they failed to eliminate deeper, chemical-based contaminants. PFAS, SVOCs, and heavy metals often remained embedded in PPE—undetectable but no less hazardous, building up in the waterproof membrane.
Operational Shifts and On-Scene Decontamination
To improve firefighter safety, services adopted new protocols:
- On-scene wipe-downs
- Immediate showers post-incident
- Isolation of contaminated PPE
- Dedicated clean and dirty zones
While these steps are critical, they do not solve the issue of contamination at a molecular level. That’s where innovation is required—and that’s where Deconology® comes in.
A New Standard: Deconology® Liquid CO₂+ Decontamination
LC02+ decontamination has been seen to be highly effective at decontaminating fire PPE, they have shown where water-based systems cannot decontaminate the waterproof membrane LC02+ can. Water-based laundry can only attain 15-40% decontamination (based on studies from The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health) whilst LC02+ can achieve levels of 99%+ removal of harmful substances such as PAHs and PFAS, while also protecting the integrity of the garments (based on NFPA testing).
Hunter’s Deconology® which uses Liquid CO₂+ is a waterless, closed-loop system that penetrates the fabric structure of PPE to extract harmful residues:
- Deconology® achieves 99%+ removal of harmful toxins, such as PAHs and PFAS
- Water-free and environmentally sustainable
- Non-toxic and non-damaging to PPE fabrics
- Recyclable within a closed-loop system
- Free of detergent and chemical discharge
The system preserves PPE integrity, eliminates toxic runoff, and requires no harmful solvents—ensuring environmental responsibility without compromising operational readiness.
Integrated Management of Deconology® with HunterCARE®
HunterCARE® is a digital PPE lifecycle tracking platform that:
- Monitors each piece of PPE from issue to retirement
- Logs contamination exposure and cleaning intervals
- Generates service reports and compliance documents
When used in tandem our process ensures decontamination is not only thorough—but also traceable and defensible. Proven in the field, Hunter’s Deconology® solution is already proving its value, with a lot of fire services in Ireland availing of Deconology® and leading the way for PPE maintenance innovation.
Our Mission: Safer firefighters, Smarter Systems
Firefighter PPE should shield users from harm—not expose them to hidden health risks. While no system can claim to eliminate cancer, removing carcinogenic compounds like PFAS from PPE is a measurable, science-backed step toward reducing risk.
Protect Those Who Protect Us
With regulatory bans on PFAS in textiles already taking effect in the United States and expected to influence the UK and EU, Hunter’s Deconology® positions fire services ahead of the curve—offering a practical, scalable solution that supports the long-term health outcomes of fire fighters and operational excellence.
As the firefighting profession evolves, so too must our approach to health and protection. At Hunter, we remain committed to developing solutions that work as hard as those who protect us in the emergency services sector.
To learn more, contact our sales team today at sales@hunterapparelsolutions.com
