TY - JOUR
T1 - Evaluation of fireground exposures using urinary PAH metabolites
AU - Hoppe-Jones, Christiane
AU - Griffin, Stephanie C.
AU - Gulotta, John J.
AU - Wallentine, Darin D.
AU - Moore, Paul K.
AU - Beitel, Shawn C.
AU - Flahr, Leanne M.
AU - Zhai, Jing
AU - Zhou, Jin J.
AU - Littau, Sally R.
AU - Dearmon-Moore, Devi
AU - Jung, Alesia M.
AU - Garavito, Fernanda
AU - Snyder, Shane A.
AU - Burgess, Jefferey L.
N1 - Funding Information:
Funding This study was funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), grant number EMW-2014-FP-00200. We would like to thank the Tucson Fire Department, the Tucson Fire Fighters Association Local 479 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and students and staff members from the University of Arizona who assisted with sample collection and processing throughout the duration of the study.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, The Author(s).
PY - 2021/9
Y1 - 2021/9
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - Cancer
KW - Dermal exposure
KW - Inhalation exposure
KW - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
KW - Vulnerable occupations
KW - Workplace exposures
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85102024002&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85102024002&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1038/s41370-021-00311-x
DO - 10.1038/s41370-021-00311-x
M3 - Article
C2 - 33654270
AN - SCOPUS:85102024002
SN - 1559-0631
VL - 31
SP - 913
EP - 922
JO - Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology
JF - Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology
IS - 5
ER -