Firefighter Detox
pilot program
Integrative environmental medicine for firefighters
recovering from toxic exposures
recovering from toxic exposures
Firefighters face some of the highest levels of toxic exposure of any profession — from wildfire smoke and burning materials to PFAS-laden contamination and hazardous chemical releases. Over time, these exposures contribute to increased rates of cancer, chronic illness, sleep disruption, liver dysfunction, respiratory issues, and nervous-system dysregulation.
IHAN’s 12-Week Firefighter Detox Program, in partnership with Volunteer Fire Foundation, was created to reduce toxic burden, restore resilience, and support long-term wellness for firefighters across California. This program combines environmental medicine, integrative therapies, testing, and education to address the unique physiological needs of the fire service.
IHAN’s 12-Week Firefighter Detox Program, in partnership with Volunteer Fire Foundation, was created to reduce toxic burden, restore resilience, and support long-term wellness for firefighters across California. This program combines environmental medicine, integrative therapies, testing, and education to address the unique physiological needs of the fire service.
Why This Matters
Firefighters face significantly elevated cancer risk:
Our early program outcomes suggest meaningful potential benefits for firefighter wellness and recovery. A formal statistical analysis of these results is currently underway, and findings will be shared once the evaluation is complete.
- Cancer caused 66% of line-of-duty firefighter deaths (2002–2019)
- This increased to 72% in 2023 (IAFF)
- Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of developing cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general population (CDC/NIOSH)
Our early program outcomes suggest meaningful potential benefits for firefighter wellness and recovery. A formal statistical analysis of these results is currently underway, and findings will be shared once the evaluation is complete.
Program Availability in California
We have run three cohorts of this program in Sonoma County, with the fourth launching in early 2026.
We are currently operating a 20-person cohort in Los Angeles for firefighters impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, made possible by generous funding from the Phase One Foundation. This program is delivered in partnership with the Volunteer Fire Foundation (VFF) and a network of vetted naturopathic doctors trained to work with first responders.
We are currently operating a 20-person cohort in Los Angeles for firefighters impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires, made possible by generous funding from the Phase One Foundation. This program is delivered in partnership with the Volunteer Fire Foundation (VFF) and a network of vetted naturopathic doctors trained to work with first responders.
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What the Program Provides
Our integrative approach includes:
Core Services
Program Goals
Core Services
- Naturopathic medical care
- 3 rounds of comprehensive toxicology testing
- Sauna therapy
- Health coaching
- Supplement, nutrition, and movement protocols
- Weekly detoxification support (IV + nebulized glutathione)
- Mental health resiliency and environmental medicine education
- Ongoing support from a trauma-informed clinical team
Program Goals
- Reduce toxic load from wildfire smoke, PFAS, glyphosate, petrochemicals, and heavy metals
- Support liver, kidney, immune, and endocrine system recovery
- Improve sleep, stress regulation, and cardiovascular health
- Help firefighters build long-term tools for physical and emotional resilience
Testimonials
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"This is something we need in our department all the time."
Captain Jeff Brown
LAFD Station 69 / Pacific Palisades
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“The best thing I’ve ever done for myself.”
Chief Shepley Schroth-Cary
Gold Ridge Fire District / Sonoma County
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