Fire and medical officials are cautioning Western wildland firefighters about a supplement offered to them following exposure to toxic chemicals from battling major blazes. The supplement, glutathione, administered via IV or a nebulizer, has not been proven safe or effective, and potential contamination during its production could pose health risks.
At least two pharmacies recalled the supplement in August due to detected bacterial contamination. One of these pharmacies reported instances of individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, and severe headaches. The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), a union representing approximately 360,000 first responders, issued a safety advisory stating that because glutathione is not an FDA-approved drug, consumers should exercise caution regarding its safety and any claims of its ability to treat or prevent diseases.
In Spokane, Washington, where wildfires destroyed hundreds of buildings, glutathione was offered to firefighters. During morning briefings, medical unit leaders from California directed crews to a tent where a nonprofit organization, the Integrative Health Action Network, composed of licensed naturopathic doctors, provided the supplement. This group had previously supplied the supplement to firefighters during the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County, with their work with firefighters originating after a 2017 blaze in California's wine country.
Despite a lack of evidence supporting its use, some firefighters have reported feeling improved after inhaling toxic smoke and have advocated for continued access to the supplement. Sean DeCrane, IAFF assistant to the general president for health and safety, noted that concerns were raised with the IAFF by physicians and some members regarding health claims about the supplement, which are not supported by research on its safety or efficacy. Some physicians have also warned of potential adverse effects.
DeCrane added that the IAFF has received reports of firefighters feeling worse or becoming ill after receiving the treatment. He stressed the importance of evaluating and testing any medical treatments marketed to firefighters to ensure they do not have unintended consequences.
Jen Riegle, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of The Integrative Health Action Network, acknowledged the need for peer-reviewed research on glutathione's potential to reduce chemical burdens in firefighters and stated the organization is actively seeking partnerships for such studies.
Research increasingly highlights the widespread negative health impacts of inhaling wildfire smoke, particularly when fires burn through urban areas and combust materials like household appliances, batteries, and chemicals. Tens of thousands of deaths annually in the U.S. are linked to the long-term effects of wildfire smoke exposure. Firefighters operate in extreme conditions where using respirators with oxygen tanks can be impractical, leading to exposure to a variety of chemicals with both short-term and long-term health consequences.
Pasadena Fire Captain Matt Caffey, a paramedic with 28 years of experience, described his experience with smoke exposure from fires burning in neighborhoods, which caused coughing, vomiting, and cognitive impairment, making it difficult to recover. Caffey is among those who believe glutathione has been beneficial and urged the Integrative Health Action Network to provide it in Spokane. Following pushback from some firefighters, the California Board of Pharmacy in 2025 reversed a decision that would have restricted access to the supplement.
Experts caution that anecdotal evidence of relief is not a substitute for scientific proof. Dr. Cora Sack, a pulmonary specialist at the University of Washington School of Medicine with expertise in environmental and occupational lung disease, stated that while the claims are interesting and warrant further study, there is a lack of clinical evidence for efficacy. Glutathione, an antioxidant naturally produced in the liver, neutralizes unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage. Wildfire smoke induces oxidative stress, and while there is a plausible biological reason to consider antioxidants like glutathione, Sack does not endorse its use without clear evidence. She also noted that administering glutathione via nebulizer could potentially constrict airways in individuals with asthma or chronic lung conditions. Contamination in sterile compounding pharmacies has led to documented cases of poisoning, and injecting a contaminated product could result in severe medical events, including fevers, hypotension, inflammatory reactions, anaphylactic shock, and even death, according to recent pharmacy recalls.
Luke Montrose, a professor at Colorado State University researching wildfire smoke's impact on disease risk, commented on glutathione's anti-inflammatory properties but expressed hesitation due to the lack of studies.