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 - 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
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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 -