North America Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Open-circuit SCBA, Closed-circuit SCBA), By Tank, By End-use, By Country, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The North America self-contained breathing apparatus market size was valued at USD 492.5 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2025 to 2030. Stringent industrial safety requirements in economies such as the U.S. and Canada and increased spending on improving firefighter safety in different states and provinces have led to significant demand for self-contained breathing apparatus Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) are critical safety devices that protect individuals from inhaling hazardous gases, vapors, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Firefighting agencies are adopting newer technologies in SCBA design to enhance wearer comfort, air supply, and communication capabilities. This has led to higher demand for advanced solutions, which come equipped with novel features such as thermal imaging cameras and integrated communication systems.

The demand and adoption of SCBAs are exponentially growing, as these products offer maximum protection to wearers. They are designed to prevent the entry of contaminated outside air into the apparatus. Furthermore, they provide substantial protection to users from surroundings that are oxygen-deficit or contain a level of contaminants that is above 'Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health' (IDLH) concentrations, as defined by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The steadily growing number of industrial injuries and accidents has forced regulatory bodies in North America to adopt a more stringent safety approach. Federal and local agencies are increasingly enforcing mandatory regulations and actions to reduce the occurrence of such accidents. Industrial facilities have become increasingly complex, and workers in sectors such as welding, mining, and utilities are at constant risk of exposure to unsafe atmospheres. SCBAs are used during regular operations and also form a vital part of emergency response plans to mitigate the risks posed by industrial accidents, hazardous material spills, or fires.

Public awareness regarding environmental hazards such as air pollution, chemical exposure, and the long-term health impacts of inhaling toxic substances is rapidly increasing. This is reflected in workplace safety standards and regulations that encourage or require the use of SCBAs to protect workers from such harmful exposure. With environmental issues such as air pollution and hazardous chemical exposure becoming a major concern, regional industries are focusing more on safety gear, including SCBAs, to ensure worker well-being.

The advanced manufacturing and technology sectors in the region have resulted in market players being early adopters of innovative solutions. Modern SCBAs have advanced features such as digital pressure gauges, voice communication systems, and enhanced air supply monitoring. Ongoing advancements in SCBA design, including lighter, more comfortable units with longer-lasting air supplies, are driving product demand in verticals such as firefighting, chemical manufacturing, and mining of the North America self-contained breathing apparatus industry.

Type Insights

The open-circuit SCBA segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 68.0% in the North America self-contained breathing apparatus industry in 2024. Open-circuit SCBAs, which provide breathable air from a pressurized tank, are critical for protecting workers in environments with dangerous atmospheres, including those exposed to toxic gases, smoke, or oxygen-deficient environments. Increasing incidences of fire and rescue operations in the region have enabled strong segment growth. Open-circuit SCBAs are preferred in situations where there is a high volume of hazardous gas or smoke that makes it impossible to recycle air. Since open-circuit systems rely on a constant stream of air, they are easier to use and maintain than closed-circuit systems, which require chemical cartridges to filter and recirculate exhaled air.

The demand for closed-circuit SCBAs is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Although they are not as widely used as open-circuit SCBAs, their application is gradually increasing in certain industries due to their unique benefits, particularly in long-duration or high-risk environments. A closed-circuit SCBA recycles the user's exhaled air, removing carbon dioxide and replenishing oxygen, which extends the duration of air supply compared to open-circuit systems. These devices are highly specialized and are used in specific industries and situations where the ability to extend air supply and ensure a consistent oxygen supply is critical. For instance, workers working underground mining in tunnels and confined spaces benefit greatly from such solutions, where it is difficult to replace the air supply quickly. These devices can last much longer, making them essential for operations in environments where air refills are impractical.

Tank Insights

The Type III segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the North American market for SCBAs in 2024. Type III cylinders consist of a steel or aluminum liner wrapped in composite materials such as fiberglass or carbon fiber. This combination offers a balance of durability and reduced weight. This cylinder is designed for use when respiratory protection is required over a longer duration, often in environments with high risk to life and health. These SCBAs typically feature larger, higher-capacity air cylinders, which provide extended breathing time compared to Type I and Type II systems. The increasing pace of mining activities in the U.S. and Mexico has created substantial demand for these products. Miners are required to enter underground areas with poor ventilation and high concentrations of methane or other toxic gases. In such environments, a Type III SCBA ensures that miners can breathe safely for extended periods while conducting exploration, maintenance, or rescue operations.

The Type IV cylinders segment is anticipated to advance at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030 in the North America self-contained breathing apparatus industry. They are entirely made from composite materials such as carbon fiber or Kevlar, making them the lightest option for SCBA systems. A Type IV SCBA is suited for use in environments where a continuous, high level of respiratory protection is required, often for prolonged periods and under challenging conditions. A notable application of this SCBA is in nuclear power plants, where workers are required to enter areas with radioactive contaminants or during decommissioning operations where toxic gases or particulates are present. The extended duration and robust protection offered by Type IV SCBAs make them ideal for such high-risk environments, ensuring workers can safely perform tasks for extended hours without worrying about air depletion.

End-use Insights

The fire services segment accounted for the leading revenue share in the North America self-contained breathing apparatus industry in 2024. These operations are crucial to the regional public safety infrastructure and are responsible for fire prevention, firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency medical services. Increasing fire incidences in buildings and wildfires across forested areas have highlighted the need for firefighters and the importance of advanced gear, enabling them to carry out their duties efficiently and safely. For instance, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, in 2023, there were over 56,000 wildfire incidents in the U.S. These situations heighten the need for SCBAs during firefighting operations, as the surrounding air is filled with smoke, toxic gases, and particulate matter. Oxygen levels can drop below safe levels, making breathing difficult for firefighters without assistance. An SCBA allows them to have a reliable source of pressurized oxygen, ensuring they can continue to work even in environments with low oxygen levels.

The chemical/petrochemical segment is anticipated to advance at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The fast pace of growth of the chemical manufacturing and petrochemical refining sectors in the region has generated a high demand for solutions that can ensure worker safety, including SCBAs. These industries involve the handling and processing potentially hazardous materials, including toxic chemicals, flammable liquids, and explosive gases. Chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), and benzene can be present in large quantities in these facilities. Such gases pose serious risks to worker health and can lead to fatal injuries if inhaled. Moreover, refineries and chemical plants often involve processes that use highly flammable materials. This increases the risk of fires or explosions, highlighting the need for SCBAs to protect workers from inhaling toxic smoke, particulates, and gases.

Country Insights

U.S. Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Market Trends

The U.S. self-contained breathing apparatus market accounted for a dominant revenue share of 83.6% in 2024. Continued developments in end-use industries such as chemicals, oil & gas, and fire services in the economy have generated a strong demand for solutions that can ensure worker safety. Partnerships between firefighting agencies and SCBA vendors have become essential to ensure firefighter safety and the reliability and functionality of equipment in life-threatening situations. These collaborations extend beyond the procurement of SCBAs to include collaborative efforts in training, customization, product development, maintenance, and research, which aim to ensure the safety and well-being of firefighters. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a program that provides approval to SCBAs for use by firefighters and other first responders. This compels manufacturers to launch high-quality, advanced, and easy-to-use products.

Mexico Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Market Trends

Mexico is anticipated to advance at the fastest CAGR in the regional market from 2025 to 2030. The country’s rapidly expanding industrial sectors, including oil & gas, mining, and firefighting, have generated a strong demand for SCBAs in recent years. Mexico’s oil industry, particularly in offshore drilling and shale extraction, presents significant safety risks for workers, which has boosted sales of these products. The increasing occurrence of wildfires due to changing climatic conditions has placed significant pressure on firefighting agencies to tackle them effectively and safely, leading to the steady growth of this market in the country.

Key North America Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Company Insights

Some of the notable companies involved in the North America self-contained breathing apparatus industry include 3M, MSA, and Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, among others.

• 3M is an American manufacturer that manufactures solutions catering to several major industries, including industrial processes, electronics, transportation, consumer, and healthcare. The company offers respiratory and personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters, industrial workers, and military personnel through the 3M Scott Fire & Safety division. This segment offers a diverse range of products, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), thermal imaging cameras, gas detection systems, and compressor systems to fill SCBA cylinders. Notable offerings include the 3M Scott Industrial SCBA (ISCBA), the 3M Scott ACSi SCBA, the 3M Scott Air-Pak 75 SCBA, and the 3M Scott Air-Pak X3 Pro SCBA.

• MSA Safety is involved in developing safety products that cater to several critical verticals, including oil & gas, utilities, fire service, and construction. The company has a range of offerings, including gas detection, flame detection, and leak detection systems, as well as fire helmets and firefighter protective clothing. MSA also specializes in head protection, face protection, eye & hearing protection, and fall protection equipment. Under its respiratory protection segment, the company is known for air-purifying and supplying air respirators. Leading products in the SCBA segment include the G1 SCBA, the MSA G1 SCBA NO PASS, the MSA G1 Industrial SCBA, and the FireHawk M7 Responder Air Mask.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, MSA Safety announced that it had received a multi-year contract worth USD 33 million from the U.S. Coast Guard to provide them with its firefighter respiratory protective equipment. This contract involves the supply of the MSA G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus to the Coast Guard’s operational surface fleet and surface support operations. The G1 SCBA includes standard voice amplification and radio interface capabilities and an electronics platform that enables seamless connectivity between firefighters, their teams, and incident commanders.

• In April 2024, Dräger provided an exclusive look at its AirBoss Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) at the FDIC International event held in Indiana. The AirBoss apparatus has a lightweight design that offers maximum mobility to firefighters, 360-degree visibility, and scalable and adaptable technologies that would effectively address future firefighting requirements. It also incorporates advanced sensors of the Sentinel system, thus providing crucial and timely alerts such as thermal hazards and enabling firefighters to take swift action.

North America Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Market Report Scope

North America Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the North America self-contained breathing apparatus market report based on type, tank, end-use, and country:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Open-circuit SCBA

  • Closed-circuit SCBA

• Tank Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Type I

  • Type II

  • Type III

  • Type IV

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Fire Services

  • Oil & Gas

  • Mining

  • Chemical/Petrochemical

  • Industrial

  • Law Enforcement, Military, And Navy

  • Others

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico