Officials warn wildland firefighters about the risks of using a supplement for smoke exposure

Officials Warn Wildland Firefighters About Glutathione Supplement

Fire and medical officials have issued warnings about a supplement offered to Western wildland firefighters exposed to toxic chemicals while battling some of the country's largest blazes, including last year's Eaton fire in Altadena. The supplement, glutathione, is given through an IV or a nebulizer, but experts say it has not been proven safe or effective and could pose risks if contaminated during production.

At least two pharmacies recalled the supplement in August due to bacterial contamination discovered during testing at their labs. One pharmacy reported receiving reports of people suffering from fever, chills, severe headache, and other symptoms.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), a labor union representing some 360,000 first responders, issued a safety advisory this month stating, "Because glutathione is not an FDA-approved drug, consumers should be cautious about product safety and claims that glutathione can treat or prevent diseases."

Use During Spokane Wildfires

Glutathione was offered to firefighters during recent blazes that destroyed hundreds of buildings in and around Spokane, Washington. During morning briefings, medical unit leaders from California urged crews to visit a tent operated by licensed naturopathic doctors who offered the supplement. The group, the Integrative Health Action Network, had previously provided the supplement during the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County, and their work with firefighters began following a 2017 blaze in California's wine country.

Despite the lack of evidence, some firefighters have said the supplement helped them feel better after breathing toxic smoke, and they have urged California pharmacy officials not to restrict access. The promotion of the supplement in Spokane prompted physicians and members to contact the IAFF with concerns, according to Sean DeCrane, IAFF assistant to the general president for health and safety. The IAFF received reports of firefighters feeling worse or becoming sick after treatment.

Jen Riegle, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of the network, acknowledged the need for peer-reviewed research.

Perspectives

Firefighters' views: Some firefighters, including Pasadena Fire Captain Matt Caffey, who has been a paramedic for 28 years and fought the Eaton fire, describe symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, and brain fog after exposure. Caffey says glutathione helps and has urged providers to come to Spokane. They argue that the supplement serves a practical need, especially because respirators are impractical in extreme conditions.

Medical and regulatory warnings: The IAFF, medical officials, and experts like Dr. Cora Sack, a pulmonary specialistat the University of Washington, caution that glutathione has not been proven safe or effective. They emphasize that anecdotal claims are not proof, and note the risks of contamination and possible health dangers, including from injectable use.

Naturopathic providers' stance: The Integrative Health Action Network, co-founded by Dr. Jen Riegle, believes in the supplement's potential but acknowledges insufficient research. They continue to provide it at fire scenes, having done so since 2017.

Scientific and Regulatory Context

Glutathione is an antioxidant made primarily in the liver. While it may have anti-inflammatory properties, according to Luke Montrose, a professor at Colorado State University, he is hesitant to endorse it due to the lack of studies. Experts also warn that using the nebulizer to take glutathione can constrict airways in people with asthma or chronic lung diseases, and that injecting contaminated product can cause fevers, hypotension, inflammation, anaphylactic shock, and, in severe cases, death.

The supplement is compounded in sterile pharmacies, where contamination has previously led to poisoning. The California Board of Pharmacy reversed regulations in 2025 after pushback from firefighters, indicating the tension between user demand and regulatory concerns.

Conclusion

The use of glutathione as a potential treatment for wildfire smoke exposure highlights the challenging environment facing wildland firefighters. While some firefighters report relief and want to have that option, the medical community and officials emphasize a cautious approach given the lack of evidence and potential health risks. As research progresses, the conversation will likely continue about how to best support the health of those who protect communities from wildfires.