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

August 23, 2026 - 10:21

Fire and medical authorities are cautioning wildland firefighters in the Western United States about a dietary supplement that has been distributed to crews dealing with heavy smoke inhalation. The product, which is not federally approved for treating chemical exposure, has been promoted as a way to mitigate the effects of toxic particulates found in wildfire smoke. However, officials now say that relying on it could pose serious health risks and give firefighters a false sense of protection.

The warning comes after several state and federal agencies noticed the supplement being handed out at fire camps and staging areas. While the exact ingredients have not been fully disclosed to the public, preliminary reviews suggest that some compounds may interact poorly with the physical strain of firefighting or with other medications commonly used on the line. Medical officers are particularly concerned that the supplement has not undergone rigorous clinical trials for safety or effectiveness in this specific context.

Instead of turning to unverified products, health experts are urging firefighters to stick with proven methods: proper hydration, rest, and the use of N95 or P100 respirators when conditions allow. They also remind crew members that any persistent cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath should be evaluated by a medical professional rather than masked by a supplement. The agencies involved are now working to pull the product from distribution points and are asking fire crews to report any adverse reactions they may have already experienced. The situation highlights the broader challenge of keeping frontline workers safe in an era of increasingly intense and toxic fire seasons.