1
|
Zadunayski T, Broznitsky N, Lichty D, Cherry N. Perceptions of Exposure and Mask Use in Wildland Firefighters. TOXICS 2024; 12:576. [PMID: 39195678 PMCID: PMC11360241 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12080576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Wildland firefighters are exposed to airborne particulates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other hazardous substances. Respiratory protection is indicated, but information is lacking on the tasks and conditions for which mask wearing should be advised. Studies to assess respiratory protection in wildland firefighters were carried out in western Canada in 2021 and 2023. Sampling pumps measured airborne exposures and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) was assayed to indicate PAH absorption. Participants in 2021 reported the time for which they wore the mask during each task. In 2023, the use of masks was reported, and firefighters rated the smoke intensity. In 2021, 72 firefighters were monitored over 164 shifts and, in 2023, 89 firefighters were monitored for 263 shifts. In 2021, mask wearing was highest for those engaged in initial attack and hot spotting. Urinary 1-HP at the end of rotation was highest for those reporting initial attack, working on a prescribed fire and mop-up. In 2023, firefighter ratings of smoke intensity were strongly associated with measured particulate mass and with urinary 1-HP, but masks were not worn more often when there was higher smoke intensity. The data from the literature did not provide a clear indication of high-exposure tasks. Better task/exposure information is needed for firefighters to make informed decisions about mask wearing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanis Zadunayski
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada
| | | | - Drew Lichty
- Canada Wildfire, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada
| | - Nicola Cherry
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cherry N, Broznitsky N, Fedun M, Zadunayski T. Respiratory Tract and Eye Symptoms in Wildland Firefighters in Two Canadian Provinces: Impact of Discretionary Use of an N95 Mask during Successive Rotations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13658. [PMID: 36294236 PMCID: PMC9603074 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We examined whether discretionary use of an N95 mask reduced symptom reporting in wildland firefighters. The study collected data from two Canadian provinces during the 2021 fire season, with each firefighter followed for up to 4 rotations. Participants completed questionnaires on symptoms at the start and end of each rotation, when they reported also on mask use (if any) and completed a task checklist. Eighty firefighters contributed data. Nineteen firefighters were successfully fit-tested for N95 masks to wear whenever they felt conditions justified. Start-of-rotation symptoms reflected total hours firefighting in 2021. Symptoms of eye, nose and throat irritation and cough were more bothersome at the end of rotation. Cough, throat and nose (but not eye) symptoms were reported as significantly less bothersome at the end of rotation by those allocated masks, having allowed for crew type and start-of-rotation symptoms. Among those allocated a mask, use was most frequent during initial attack and least during driving and patrol. Reasons for not wearing included high work difficulty and low comfort. It is concluded that symptoms in wildland firefighters increased with hours of exposure. While provision of an N95 mask reduced symptoms, work is needed to overcome barriers to respiratory protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cherry
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AL T6G 2T4, Canada
| | | | - Mike Fedun
- Alberta Wildfire Service, Agriculture and Forestry Alberta, Edmonton, AL T5S 1L3, Canada
| | - Tanis Zadunayski
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AL T6G 2T4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Adetona AM, Adetona O, Chartier RT, Paulsen MH, Simpson CD, Rathbun SL, Naeher LP. Differences in Fine Particle Exposure and Estimated Pulmonary Ventilation Rate with Respect to Work Tasks of Wildland Firefighters at Prescribed Burns: A Repeated Measures Study. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:985-997. [PMID: 35652799 PMCID: PMC9551324 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildland firefighters (WLFFs) are exposed to a mixture of chemicals found in wildland fire smoke and emissions from nonwildland-fuel smoke sources such as diesel. We investigated compositional differences in exposure to particulate matter and explored differences in ventilation rate and potential inhaled dose relative to the work tasks of WLFFs. Repeated measures on ten professional and two volunteer firefighters were collected on prescribed burn and nonburn days. Personal monitoring consisted of real-time and gravimetric fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and accelerometer measurements to estimate ventilation rate and potential dose of PM2.5. The fine particulate matter was analyzed for levoglucosan (LG) and light absorbing carbon as a surrogate for black carbon (BC). Breathing zone personal exposure concentrations of PM2.5, LG, BC, and CO were higher on burn days (P < 0.05). Differences in exposure concentrations were observed between burn day tasks (P < 0.05) with firefighters managing fire boundaries (holders) being exposed to higher CO and LG concentrations and less BC concentrations than those conducting lighting (lighters). While no statistical difference in PM2.5 exposure measures was observed between the two tasks, holders in the study tended to be exposed to higher PM2.5 concentrations (~1.4×), while lighters tended to have more inhaled amounts of PM2.5 (~1.3×). Our findings demonstrate possible diversity in the sources of particulate matter exposure at the fireline and suggest the potential importance of using dose as a metric of inhalation exposure in occupational or other settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Adetona
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Olorunfemi Adetona
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Michael H Paulsen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher D Simpson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephen L Rathbun
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Luke P Naeher
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Navarro KM, Butler CR, Fent K, Toennis C, Sammons D, Ramirez-Cardenas A, Clark KA, Byrne DC, Graydon PS, Hale CR, Wilkinson AF, Smith DL, Alexander-Scott MC, Pinkerton LE, Eisenberg J, Domitrovich JW. The Wildland Firefighter Exposure and Health Effect (WFFEHE) Study: Rationale, Design, and Methods of a Repeated-Measures Study. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:714-727. [PMID: 34919119 PMCID: PMC9203592 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The wildland firefighter exposure and health effect (WFFEHE) study was a 2-year repeated-measures study to investigate occupational exposures and acute and subacute health effects among wildland firefighters. This manuscript describes the study rationale, design, methods, limitations, challenges, and lessons learned. The WFFEHE cohort included fire personnel ages 18-57 from six federal wildland firefighting crews in Colorado and Idaho during the 2018 and 2019 fire seasons. All wildland firefighters employed by the recruited crews were invited to participate in the study at preseason and postseason study intervals. In 2019, one of the crews also participated in a 3-day midseason study interval where workplace exposures and pre/postshift measurements were collected while at a wildland fire incident. Study components assessed cardiovascular health, pulmonary function and inflammation, kidney function, workplace exposures, and noise-induced hearing loss. Measurements included self-reported risk factors and symptoms collected through questionnaires; serum and urine biomarkers of exposure, effect, and inflammation; pulmonary function; platelet function and arterial stiffness; and audiometric testing. Throughout the study, 154 wildland firefighters participated in at least one study interval, while 144 participated in two or more study interval. This study was completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health through a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Department of the Interior National Park Service, and Skidmore College. Conducting research in the wildfire environment came with many challenges including collecting study data with study participants with changing work schedules and conducting study protocols safely and operating laboratory equipment in remote field locations. Forthcoming WFFEHE study results will contribute to the scientific evidence regarding occupational risk factors and exposures that can impact wildland firefighter health over a season and across two wildland fire seasons. This research is anticipated to lead to the development of preventive measures and policies aimed at reducing risk for wildland firefighters and aid in identifying future research needs for the wildland fire community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Navarro
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, Denver, CO, USA,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1-303-236-5953;
| | - Corey R. Butler
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, Denver, CO, USA,United States Department of the Interior, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kenneth Fent
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Christine Toennis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Deborah Sammons
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alejandra Ramirez-Cardenas
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Clark
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Respiratory Health Division, Morgantown, VA, USA
| | - David C. Byrne
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Pamela S. Graydon
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Christa R. Hale
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Andrea F. Wilkinson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, USA,First Responder Health and Safety Laboratory, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
| | - Denise L. Smith
- First Responder Health and Safety Laboratory, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
| | - Marissa C. Alexander-Scott
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lynne E. Pinkerton
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Maximus, Attain, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Judith Eisenberg
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph W. Domitrovich
- United States Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program, Missoula, MT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Navarro KM, West MR, O’Dell K, Sen P, Chen IC, Fischer EV, Hornbrook RS, Apel EC, Hills AJ, Jarnot A, DeMott P, Domitrovich JW. Exposure to Particulate Matter and Estimation of Volatile Organic Compounds across Wildland Firefighter Job Tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:11795-11804. [PMID: 34488352 PMCID: PMC8978153 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c00847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Wildland firefighters are exposed to smoke-containing particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while suppressing wildfires. From 2015 to 2017, the U.S. Forest Service conducted a field study collecting breathing zone measurements of PM4 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤4 μm) on wildland firefighters from different crew types and while performing various fire suppression tasks on wildfires. Emission ratios of VOC (parts per billion; ppb): PM1 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤1 μm; mg/m3) were calculated using data from a separate field study conducted in summer 2018, the Western Wildfire Experiment for Cloud Chemistry, Aerosol Absorption, and Nitrogen (WE-CAN) Campaign. These emission ratios were used to estimate wildland firefighter exposure to acrolein, benzene, and formaldehyde. Results of this field sampling campaign reported that exposure to PM4 and VOC varied across wildland firefighter crew type and job task. Type 1 crews had greater exposures to both PM4 and VOCs than type 2 or type 2 initial attack crews, and wildland firefighters performing direct suppression had statistically higher exposures than those performing staging and other tasks (mean differences = 0.82 and 0.75 mg/m3; 95% confidence intervals = 0.38-1.26 and 0.41-1.08 mg/m3, respectively). Of the 81 personal exposure samples collected, 19% of measured PM4 exposures exceeded the recommended National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group occupational exposure limit (0.7 mg/m3). Wildland fire management should continue to find strategies to reduce smoke exposures for wildland firefighters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Navarro
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, Fire and Aviation Management, Clovis, 93611, USA
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, 45213, USA
| | - Molly R. West
- USDA Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program, Missoula, 59804, USA
| | - Katelyn O’Dell
- Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80521, USA
| | - Paro Sen
- Amentum Services, Germantown, 20876, USA
| | - I-Chen Chen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, 45213, USA
| | - Emily V. Fischer
- Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80521, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Hornbrook
- Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, 80305, USA
| | - Eric C. Apel
- Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, 80305, USA
| | - Alan J. Hills
- Atmospheric Chemistry Observations & Modeling Laboratory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, 80305, USA
| | - Alex Jarnot
- University of California Irvine, Department of Chemistry, Irvine, 92617, USA
| | - Paul DeMott
- Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80521, USA
| | - Joseph W. Domitrovich
- USDA Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program, Missoula, 59804, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Semmens EO, Leary CS, West MR, Noonan CW, Navarro KM, Domitrovich JW. Carbon monoxide exposures in wildland firefighters in the United States and targets for exposure reduction. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:923-929. [PMID: 34285366 PMCID: PMC8448930 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00371-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Every year thousands of wildland firefighters (WFFs) work to suppress wildfires to protect public safety, health, and property. Although much effort has been put toward mitigating air pollutant exposures for the public and WFFs, the current burden in this worker population is unclear as are the most effective exposure reduction strategies. OBJECTIVE Quantify fireline carbon monoxide (CO) exposures in WFFs and identify predictors of exposures. METHODS We collected 1-min breathing zone CO measurements on 246 WFFs assigned to fires between 2015 and 2017. We used generalized estimating equations to evaluate predictors of CO exposure. RESULTS Approximately 5% of WFFs had fireline CO exposure means exceeding the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's occupational exposure limit of 16 ppm. Relative to operational breaks, direct suppression-related job tasks were associated with 56% (95% CI: 47%, 65%) higher geometric mean CO concentrations, adjusted for incident type, crew type, and fire location. WFF perception of smoke exposure was a strong predictor of measured CO exposure. SIGNIFICANCE Specific job tasks related to direct suppression and WFF perceptions of smoke exposure are potential opportunities for targeted interventions aimed at minimizing exposure to smoke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin O Semmens
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA.
| | - Cindy S Leary
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Molly R West
- National Technology and Development Program, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Curtis W Noonan
- Center for Population Health Research, School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Kathleen M Navarro
- Western States Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Joseph W Domitrovich
- National Technology and Development Program, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Missoula, MT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Navarro KM, Clark KA, Hardt DJ, Reid CE, Lahm PW, Domitrovich JW, Butler CR, Balmes JR. Wildland firefighter exposure to smoke and COVID-19: A new risk on the fire line. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 760:144296. [PMID: 33341613 PMCID: PMC7962897 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the United States, wildland firefighters respond to wildfires, performing arduous work in remote locations. Wildfire incidents can be an ideal environment for the transmission of infectious diseases, particularly for wildland firefighters who congregate in work and living settings. In this review, we examine how exposure to wildfire smoke can contribute to an increased likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Human exposure to particulate matter (PM), a component of wildfire smoke, has been associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses; increasing the likelihood for adverse respiratory symptomology and pathology. In multiple epidemiological studies, wildfire smoke exposure has been associated with acute lower respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Co-occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and wildfire smoke inhalation may present an increased risk for COVID-19 illness in wildland firefighters due to PM based transport of SARS CoV-2 virus and up-regulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE-2) (i.e. ACE-2 functions as a trans-membrane receptor, allowing the SARS-CoV-2 virus to gain entry into the epithelial cell). Wildfire smoke exposure may also increase risk for more severe COVID-19 illness such as cytokine release syndrome, hypotension, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Current infection control measures, including social distancing, wearing cloth masks, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, frequent hand washing, and daily screening for COVID-19 symptoms are very important measures to reduce infections and severe health outcomes. Exposure to wildfire smoke may introduce additive or even multiplicative risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of disease in wildland firefighters. Thus, additional mitigative measures may be needed to prevent the co-occurrence of wildfire smoke exposure and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Navarro
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America.
| | - Kathleen A Clark
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Respiratory Health Division, Morgantown, WV, United States of America
| | - Daniel J Hardt
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, Spokane, WA, United States of America
| | - Colleen E Reid
- Geography Department, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Peter W Lahm
- USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Joseph W Domitrovich
- USDA Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program, Missoula, MT, United States of America
| | - Corey R Butler
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Western States Division, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - John R Balmes
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America; School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Navarro K. Working in Smoke:: Wildfire Impacts on the Health of Firefighters and Outdoor Workers and Mitigation Strategies. Clin Chest Med 2021; 41:763-769. [PMID: 33153693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Wildland firefighters work on wildfire incidents all over the United States and perform arduous work under extreme work conditions, including exposure to smoke. Wildland fire smoke is a mixture of hazardous air pollutants. For assessing wildland firefighter exposure to smoke, most studies measured carbon monoixde (CO) and particulate matter and reported changes in lung health by measured lung function, airway responsiveness, and respiratory symptoms across individual work shifts and single fire seasons. All fire personnel should understand the hazards of smoke and develop ways to mitigate exposure to smoke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Navarro
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1090 Tusculum Avenue MS 13, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu CM, Song CC, Chartier R, Kremer J, Naeher L, Adetona O. Characterization of occupational smoke exposure among wildland firefighters in the midwestern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110541. [PMID: 33249041 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wildland firefighters are repeatedly exposed to elevated levels of wildland fire smoke (WFS) while protecting lives and properties from wildland fires. Studies reporting personal exposure concentrations of air pollutants in WFS during fire suppression or prescribed burn activities have been geographically limited to the western and southeastern United States. The objective of this study is to characterize exposure concentrations of air pollutants in WFS emissions among wildland firefighters who conducted prescribed burns in the Midwest. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 35 firefighters (31 males and 4 females, age of 35.63 ± 9.31 years) were recruited to participate in this study. Personal particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) exposure concentrations were measured during prescribed burns. The level of black carbon (BC) in WFS particulates was determined using the light transmission technique, while trace metal composition was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed geometric means for PM2.5, CO, and BC concentrations were 1.43 ± 0.13 mg/m3, 7.02 ± 0.69 ppm, and 58.79 ± 5.46 μg/m3, respectively. Although no occupational exposure limits (OELs) were exceeded by 8-h time-weighted average (TWA) exposure concentration observed in the firefighters, a total of 28 personal CO exposure concentrations were above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) Ceiling (200 ppm) for CO. PM2.5 and CO concentrations were about 2-7 times higher in the Midwest than the other regions. Firefighters who performed holding had higher CO exposure concentrations compared to firefighters who performed lighting (p < 0.01), while lighters were exposed to higher level of BC in the smoke particulates (p < 0.01), possibly due to the domination of exposure by different combustion sources and stages. The levels of trace metals in WFS particulates were well below the corresponding OELs and no task-related difference was observed except for manganese. Our results suggest that wildland firefighters in the midwestern region have higher WFS exposures while working at prescribed burns compared to those western and southeastern United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Ming Wu
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Chi Chuck Song
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ryan Chartier
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Jacob Kremer
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Luke Naeher
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Olorunfemi Adetona
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jaffe DA, O’Neill SM, Larkin NK, Holder AL, Peterson DL, Halofsky JE, Rappold AG. Wildfire and prescribed burning impacts on air quality in the United States. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2020; 70:583-615. [PMID: 32240055 PMCID: PMC7932990 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2020.1749731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Air quality impacts from wildfires have been dramatic in recent years, with millions of people exposed to elevated and sometimes hazardous fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) concentrations for extended periods. Fires emit particulate matter (PM) and gaseous compounds that can negatively impact human health and reduce visibility. While the overall trend in U.S. air quality has been improving for decades, largely due to implementation of the Clean Air Act, seasonal wildfires threaten to undo this in some regions of the United States. Our understanding of the health effects of smoke is growing with regard to respiratory and cardiovascular consequences and mortality. The costs of these health outcomes can exceed the billions already spent on wildfire suppression. In this critical review, we examine each of the processes that influence wildland fires and the effects of fires, including the natural role of wildland fire, forest management, ignitions, emissions, transport, chemistry, and human health impacts. We highlight key data gaps and examine the complexity and scope and scale of fire occurrence, estimated emissions, and resulting effects on regional air quality across the United States. The goal is to clarify which areas are well understood and which need more study. We conclude with a set of recommendations for future research. IMPLICATIONS In the recent decade the area of wildfires in the United States has increased dramatically and the resulting smoke has exposed millions of people to unhealthy air quality. In this critical review we examine the key factors and impacts from fires including natural role of wildland fire, forest management, ignitions, emissions, transport, chemistry and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Jaffe
- School of STEM and Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Amara L. Holder
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - David L. Peterson
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Jessica E. Halofsky
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington Seattle, Seattle WA, USA
| | - Ana G. Rappold
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Lab, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|