Health
Officials warn wildland firefighters against using unproven supplement for smoke exposure
Safety warnings and pharmacy recalls follow the promotion of glutathione treatments at wildfire sites despite a lack of clinical evidence.
The short version
- Fire and medical officials warned wildland firefighters against using glutathione, an unapproved supplement offered to treat smoke exposure.
- The International Association of Firefighters issued an advisory after the treatment was promoted at wildfire sites, citing lack of safety data and reports of personnel falling ill.
- At least two compounding pharmacies recalled the supplement in August due to bacterial contamination.
- While some firefighters claim the antioxidant provides symptom relief, medical experts emphasize that peer-reviewed clinical trials are still needed to prove safety and efficacy.
Key facts
- The International Association of Firefighters issued a safety advisory warning that glutathione is not FDA-approved and lacks clinical evidence demonstrating its safety or efficacy for treating smoke exposure.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- The supplement was offered via IV and nebulizers to firefighters near Spokane, Washington, by The Integrative Health Action Network, a nonprofit run by licensed naturopathic doctors.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- At least two pharmacies recalled glutathione in August due to lab-confirmed bacterial contamination, with one pharmacy receiving reports of fever, chills, and severe headaches.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- Medical researchers noted that inhaling glutathione through a nebulizer can constrict airways in individuals with asthma or chronic lung conditions.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- In 2025, the California Board of Pharmacy reversed planned restrictions on accessing the supplement following pushback from firefighters who reported symptom relief.[Associated Press · ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- Whether glutathione provides genuine clinical benefits against toxic wildfire smoke remains unverified due to an absence of peer-reviewed clinical trials.[Associated Press · ABC News]
- The full extent and frequency of adverse reactions among firefighters who received the supplement remain unquantified beyond anecdotal reports and recent recall notices.[Associated Press · ABC News]