Firefighters Union Warns Against Unproven Smoke Supplement

Sean DeCrane, the IAFF's assistant to the general president for health and safety, said the supplement's promotion in Spokane prompted physicians and some union members to contact the IAFF with concerns about health claims that no research backs. The union also received reports that some firefighters felt worse or became sick after being treated, he said, and argued that treatments marketed to firefighters should be tested for unintended consequences.

Jen Riegle, a naturopathic doctor and co-founder of The Integrative Health Action Network, responded to the advisory by saying the organization recognizes the need for peer-reviewed research on whether glutathione can reduce chemical burdens in firefighters and is "actively exploring partnerships to that end."

Some firefighters say it works. Pasadena Fire Captain Matt Caffey, a paramedic for 28 years who fought last year's Eaton fire in Southern California, described what smoke from burning neighborhoods does: coughing, vomiting and brain fog. "You can't remember things. You're just so behind the eight ball. You can't catch up. You're not recovering," he said. Caffey urged Integrative Health Action Network providers to come to Spokane.

Doctors say the anecdotes are not proof. Dr. Cora Sack, a pulmonary specialist in environmental and occupational lung disease at the University of Washington School of Medicine, called the claims "interesting and provocative and deserve further study," but added that "we lack clinical evidence of its efficacy." Luke Montrose, a Colorado State University professor whose research covers wildfire smoke and disease risk, said glutathione has anti-inflammatory properties, "but because it hasn't been studied, I'm hesitant."