Design and Product Development

Getting Ahead of the Hazard: Conceptualizing Future Firefighter Hoods Designs

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Abstract

Firefighter hoods are vital components of personal protective equipment (PPE), designed to protect against hazardous smoke and particulates, which significantly contribute to firefighters’ heightened cancer risk. Despite recent advancements, including particulate-blocking hoods made mandatory under updated NFPA standards, critical challenges remain in achieving a balance between protection and comfort. Issues such as poor fit, moisture retention, limited breathability, and hearing impairment hinder usability and overall performance. By reviewing 14 firefighter hood models and analyzing current literature, this paper highlights key design innovations, including particulate-blocking membranes, ergonomic seam placement, and advanced textiles. Identified gaps include inadequate sizing options, limitations in decontamination, and the presence of harmful materials like PFAS. Proposed future directions emphasize diverse sizing, seamless knitting technologies, and collaborative efforts between researchers and manufacturers. This concept paper aims to provide actionable insights to guide the development of firefighter hoods that enhance safety, occupational health, comfort, and performance in hazardous environments.

Keywords: Firefighter hoods, PPE design, smoke protection, functional design

How to Cite:

Hashemian Esfahani, B., Li, R., Eike, R. J. & Song, G., (2025) “Getting Ahead of the Hazard: Conceptualizing Future Firefighter Hoods Designs”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 81(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.18745