Evaluation of fireground exposures using urinary PAH metabolites

Background Firefighters have increased cancer incidence and mortality rates compared to the general population, and are exposed to multiple products of combustion including known and suspected carcinogens. Objective The study objective was to quantify fire response exposures by role and self-reporte...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of exposure science & environmental epidemiology 2021-09, Vol.31 (5), p.913-922
Main Authors: Hoppe-Jones, Christiane, Griffin, Stephanie C., Gulotta, John J., Wallentine, Darin D., Moore, Paul K., Beitel, Shawn C., Flahr, Leanne M., Zhai, Jing, Zhou, Jin J., Littau, Sally R., Dearmon-Moore, Devi, Jung, Alesia M., Garavito, Fernanda, Snyder, Shane A., Burgess, Jefferey L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Cancer
Carcinogens
Engineers
Epidemiology
Exposure
Fire fighters
Firefighters
Fires
Health aspects
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Metabolites
Occupational health and safety
Polls & surveys
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Risk factors
Smoke
Urine
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Summary:Background Firefighters have increased cancer incidence and mortality rates compared to the general population, and are exposed to multiple products of combustion including known and suspected carcinogens. Objective The study objective was to quantify fire response exposures by role and self-reported exposure risks. Methods Urinary hydroxylated metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH-OHs) were measured at baseline and 2–4 h after structural fires and post-fire surveys were collected. Results Baseline urine samples were collected from 242 firefighters. Of these, 141 responded to at least one of 15 structural fires and provided a post-fire urine. Compared with baseline measurements, the mean fold change of post-fire urinary PAH-OHs increased similarly across roles, including captains (2.05 (95% CI 1.59–2.65)), engineers (2.10 (95% CI 1.47–3.05)), firefighters (2.83 (95% CI 2.14–3.71)), and paramedics (1.84 (95% CI 1.33–2.60)). Interior responses, smoke odor on skin, and lack of recent laundering or changing of hoods were significantly associated with increased post-fire urinary PAH-OHs. Significance Ambient smoke from the fire represents an exposure hazard for all individuals on the fireground; engineers and paramedics in particular may not be aware of the extent of their exposure. Post-fire surveys identified specific risks associated with increased exposure.
ISSN:1559-0631
1559-064X
DOI:10.1038/s41370-021-00311-x