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Papas W, Aranda-Rodriguez R, Fan X, Kubwabo C, Lee JSL, Fantin E, Zheng ED, Keir JLA, Matschke D, Blais JM, White PA. Occupational Exposure of On-Shift Ottawa Firefighters to Flame Retardants and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. TOXICS 2024; 12:677. [PMID: 39330605 PMCID: PMC11435908 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12090677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Firefighters can be exposed to complex mixtures of airborne substances, including hazardous substances released during structural fires. This study employed silicone wristbands (SWBs) as passive samplers to investigate potential exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and flame retardants (FRs). SWBs were deployed at different areas of four fire stations, in four truck cabins, and at an office control location; they were also donned outside the jackets of 18 firefighters who responded to fire calls. Overall, office areas had significantly lower PAHs than fire station areas. Vehicle bays and truck cabins had significantly higher concentrations of low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs than sleeping and living room areas. For organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs), tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP) and tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP) were detected in all the samples; 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) was more frequently detected in the fire station areas. Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) concentrations were highest in the truck cabin and office areas, and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP) was highest in truck cabins. Thirteen of 16 PAHs and nine of 36 OPFRs were detected in all the SWBs worn by firefighters, and tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) was the predominant OPFR. Levels of LMW PAHs were significantly lower when firefighters did not enter the fire. LMW PAHs, HMW (high molecular weight) PAHs, and EHDPP were significantly elevated when heavy smoke was reported. This work highlights the potential for occupational exposure to PAHs and flame retardants in some fire station areas; moreover, factors that may influence exposure during fire suppression. Whilst firefighters' occupational exposure to PAHs is likely related to fire suppression and exposure to contaminated gear and trucks, exposure to OPFRs may be more related to their presence in truck interiors and electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Papas
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Rocio Aranda-Rodriguez
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Xinghua Fan
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Cariton Kubwabo
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Janet S L Lee
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Emma Fantin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Elita D Zheng
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Jennifer L A Keir
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa. Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | | - Jules M Blais
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa. Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Paul A White
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A0K9, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa. Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
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Lu Z, Tian W, Chen Z, Chu M, Zhang S, Liu B, Zhao J, Zou M, Huo B, Xu G. Release of PAHs from sediments to seawater under wave: Indoor microcosms and level IV fugacity models. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 474:134799. [PMID: 38838527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Estuaries and coasts are located at the land-sea interface, where sediment liquefaction due to strong wave action results in significant material exchange at the sediment-seawater system. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as organic pollutants, are distributed across various media. Herein, the impact of wave was studied on the release of PAHs through indoor microcosmic experiments combined with a level IV fugacity model. Comparison revealed that the release amount and rate of PAHs during static consolidation stage were minimal, whereas wave action substantially enhanced the release. Particularly the sediments in a liquefied state, the PAHs release in Stage III was 1.55-1.86 times that in Stage II, reaching 84.73 μg/L. The loss of soil strength and strong hydrodynamic effects resulted in a substantial release of PAHs into seawater along with suspended solids. Due to volatility of 2-ring PAHs and difficult desorption of 6-ring PAHs, 3-5-ring PAHs are the main contributors to releases into seawater. The model results also indicated that the three PAHs had different fates in the sediment-seawater system, with sediment serving as an important "reservoir" for benzo[a]pyrene entering seawater, while functioning as both a "sink" and a "source" for pyrene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Lu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Weijun Tian
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, PR China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Meile Chu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Surong Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Bingkun Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Mengyuan Zou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Bingjie Huo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China
| | - Guohui Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, PR China
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Bonner EM, Poutasse CM, Haddock CK, Poston WSC, Jahnke SA, Tidwell LG, Anderson KA. Addressing the need for individual-level exposure monitoring for firefighters using silicone samplers. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00700-y. [PMID: 39033252 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00700-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters are occupationally exposed to hazardous chemical mixtures. Silicone passive sampling devices capture unique exposures over time with minimal impact to the participant and allow for the analysis of a broad chemical space. OBJECTIVE Silicone dog tags were worn by firefighters while on- and off-duty to measure individual exposures, identify potential occupational exposures, and assess their relation to occupational variables including fire response frequency, rank, and years as a firefighter. METHODS Fifty-six firefighters were recruited from two fire departments with relatively high and low call volumes in the Kansas City metropolitan area to wear two different silicone dog tags as passive samplers while on- and off-duty. Each dog tag was worn for a cumulative 30-day exposure period. Extracts of the dog tags were analyzed with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry methods for 43 flame retardants (FRs), 21 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 42 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 63 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). RESULTS Ninety-two total chemicals were detected, with eight chemicals not previously reported in firefighter exposure studies. Based on the magnitude and frequency of increased exposure in on-duty dog tags, relative to paired off-duty dog tags, five PBDEs and sec-butylbenzene were identified as potential occupational exposures; sec-butylbenzene and PBDE 49 have not previously been reported in firefighter exposure studies to the authors' knowledge. Multivariate analyses for these six compounds indicated that firefighter rank, fire response rates, and years in the fire service were poor indicators of increased occupational exposure. The greatest on-duty exposures to PBDEs were found in the low-call volume department among operational firefighters. Dog tags from firefighters at the high-call volume department accounted for 75% of PCB detections; one particular fire response may have contributed to this. Additionally, there was measurable similarity in total chemical exposure profiles between paired on- and off-duty tags for some firefighters. IMPACT This study used personal silicone passive samplers in the configuration of dog tags worn around the neck to quantify firefighter occupational exposure in on-duty samples relative to paired off-duty samples for several chemical categories: flame retardants, VOCs, and PCBs. Five PBDEs and sec-butylbenzene were identified as potential occupational exposures, however their prevalence in on-duty tags was not associated with frequency of fire responses, firefighter rank, or years the firefighter has been in the fire service. Additionally, similarity between chemical exposures in on- and off-duty tags from the same firefighter invites further investigation into individual behaviors influencing occupational and para-occupational exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Bonner
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | | | - Christopher K Haddock
- Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc. (NDRI)-USA, Leawood, KS, USA
| | - Walker S C Poston
- Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc. (NDRI)-USA, Leawood, KS, USA
| | - Sara A Jahnke
- Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, National Development and Research Institutes, Inc. (NDRI)-USA, Leawood, KS, USA
| | - Lane G Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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Lee NM, Tadesse AW, Ekpe OD, Lee SY, Kwon JW, Kim W, Cho YH, Oh JE. Assessment of PAH exposure and health risks among South Korean firefighters based on urinary PAH metabolites. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141429. [PMID: 38364917 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) comprise a group of compounds resulting from the incomplete combustion of organic matter. Firefighters engaged in fire suppression are highly exposed to PAHs. This study centered on evaluating the exposure levels and health risks of PAHs in South Korean firefighters involved in firefighting activities. The concentrations of 10 PAH metabolites in the urine of firefighters were measured immediately after, and two weeks post their engagement in extinguishing a large tire factory fire. The levels of OH-PAHs in urine samples immediately after fire suppression were elevated by a factor of 1.01-1.84 compared to urine samples from non-exposed period. The median concentration of total PAH metabolites (OH-PAHs) was higher in urine samples immediately after fire suppression (5910 ng/g creatinine) than in urine samples from non-exposed periods (5020 ng/g creatinine). However, the ∑OH-PAH levels in firefighters' urine were related to personal habits such as smoking. The concentrations of all individual OH-PAHs in the urine samples of nonsmokers exhibited a substantial increase, ranging from 1.37 to 2.3 times, clearly demonstrating that firefighting activities were a substantial source of PAH exposure. The calculated values associated with the health risks stemming from exposure to PAHs, including carcinogenic risk, total estimated daily intake (TEDI), and hazard quotients/index (HQs/HI), all fell within acceptable limits, indicating negligible risk. However, the HQ/HI values and TEDI for individual and total PAH exposures, except those for naphthalene, were 1.36-2.00 times higher in firefighters' samples taken after firefighting operations compared to those during regular duty. This underscores the need for more comprehensive investigations to comprehend the singular impact of firefighting activities due to the diverse sources of PAH emissions in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Mi Lee
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Ababo Workineh Tadesse
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea; Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Okon Dominic Ekpe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yun Lee
- National Fire Research Institute of Korea, Asan, 31555, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Woon Kwon
- National Fire Research Institute of Korea, Asan, 31555, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kim
- Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Seoul, 02221, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hwan Cho
- Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health, Seoul, 02221, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Oh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea; Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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