Attendees will discover how this validated system enables systematic study of fabric contamination and decontamination. High-performance firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) components—including outer shells, moisture barriers, and thermal liners—as well as common polymer fabrics (cotton, polyester, and wool) are exposed to representative WUI aerosols. Post-exposure analyses reveal precisely how textile material composition, structure, and surface finishes govern the progressive inward transport, deposition, and retention of toxic particulates.
These evidence-based insights directly inform the structural design, material selection, and functional finishing of advanced anti-smoke textiles while establishing practical, optimized protocols for post-fire cleaning and remediation—ultimately enhancing protection for first responders and extending fabric service life.