{
  "id": 2715062,
  "title": "Officials warn wildland firefighters about the risks of using a supplement for smoke exposure",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/officials-warn-wildland-firefighters-about-the-risks-of-using-a-2715062",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-23T04:23:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-toxic-smoke-firefighters-glutathione-supplement-244221cc2e2e539ba06d18a60d5f586c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Officials have cautioned wildland firefighters against using a supplement designed to counteract the health risks associated with smoke exposure. The supplement, glutathione, administered through an IV or inhaler, has not been verified for safety or efficacy and may lead to illness if contaminated during production. Two pharmacies withdrew the supplement in August following bacterial contamination discovered in lab tests, with one pharmacy reporting instances of fever, chills, severe headaches, and other symptoms among users.\n\nThe International Association of Firefighters released a safety advisory urging caution regarding product safety and the claims that glutathione can treat or prevent diseases. The warning emerged in the wake of its use during recent wildfires that razed numerous structures in and around Spokane, Washington. At the scene of the Spokane blazes, medical unit leaders from California advised crews to inspect a tent where a nonprofit run by licensed naturopathic doctors was providing the supplement. This nonprofit, The Integrative Health Action Network, had previously supplied glutathione to firefighters during the January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County.\n\nThe nonprofit's involvement in wildland firefighting began after a 2017 blaze that devastated thousands of homes in California's wine country. Despite a lack of evidence supporting its use, some firefighters claimed the supplement alleviated symptoms after exposure to toxic smoke, prompting them to lobby California pharmacy authorities to maintain unrestricted access to the product.",
  "summary": "SEATTLE (AP) — Fire and medical officials have issued warnings about a supplement offered to Western wildland firefighters who have been exposed to toxic chemicals while battling some of the country’s biggest…",
  "key_points": [
    "Officials warn against using glutathione supplement for smoke exposure.",
    "Supplement's safety and efficacy unverified, may cause illness.",
    "Two pharmacies withdrew product in August due to contamination."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Officials warning wildland firefighters about the risks of using a supplement for smoke exposure means that unproven treatments are being scrutinized, potentially limiting firefighters' access to untested remedies.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Officials warn wildland firefighters about the risks of using a supplement for smoke exposure",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/officials-warn-wildland-firefighters-about-the-risks-of-using-a",
        "published": "2026-08-23T04:03:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}