Firefighter Union Warns Against Unproven Glutathione Treatments for Smoke Exposure

Fire and medical officials have raised concerns about a supplement being offered to wildland firefighters exposed to toxic smoke from major Western blazes. The treatment, glutathione, is administered intravenously or through a nebulizer, but experts say it has not been proven safe or effective for this purpose.

At least two pharmacies recalled the supplement in August after bacterial contamination was detected during lab testing. One pharmacy reported that some users experienced fever, chills, severe headaches, and other symptoms.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), a union representing about 360,000 first responders, issued a safety advisory last week. It noted that glutathione is not an FDA-approved drug and urged caution about claims that it can treat or prevent diseases.

The supplement was offered to firefighters during recent fires near Spokane, Washington, where medical teams from California encouraged crews to visit a tent run by a nonprofit of licensed naturopathic doctors. The same group, The Integrative Health Action Network, had provided glutathione during the January 2025 Los Angeles County wildfires and after a 2017 blaze in California's wine country.

Some firefighters say the treatment helped them feel better after breathing smoke, and they have urged California pharmacy officials not to restrict access. However, physicians and IAFF members have reported concerns about health claims without research backing, and some firefighters said they felt worse or became ill after treatment.

Sean DeCrane, IAFF assistant to the general president for health and safety, said medical treatments marketed to firefighters should be evaluated and tested to avoid unintended consequences.

Jen Riegle, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of the network, acknowledged the need for peer-reviewed research and said the group is exploring partnerships for that purpose.

Experts stress that anecdotal reports are not proof. Dr. Cora Sack, a pulmonary specialist at the University of Washington, said the idea that antioxidants could help is biologically plausible but lacks clinical evidence. She warned that nebulized glutathione might constrict airways in people with asthma, and contaminated injections could cause severe reactions, including fever, low blood pressure, and anaphylactic shock.

Luke Montrose, a Colorado State University professor studying wildfire smoke's health impacts, noted glutathione's anti-inflammatory properties but said he is hesitant without proper studies.

Wildfire smoke, especially from urban fires, contains a mix of toxic chemicals. Firefighters often cannot use respirators in extreme conditions, leaving them exposed to substances with both short- and long-term health effects.