A Screening-Level Assessment of the Health Risks of Chronic Smoke Exposure for Wildland Firefighters

@article{Booze2004ASA,
  title={A Screening-Level Assessment of the Health Risks of Chronic Smoke Exposure for Wildland Firefighters},
  author={T. Booze and T. Reinhardt and S. J. Quiring and R. Ottmar},
  journal={Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene},
  year={2004},
  volume={1},
  pages={296 - 305}
}
A screening health risk assessment was performed to assess the upper-bound risks of cancer and noncancer adverse health effects among wildland firefighters performing wildfire suppression and prescribed burn management. Of the hundreds of chemicals in wildland fire smoke, we identified 15 substances of potential concern from the standpoints of concentration and toxicology; these included aldehydes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, benzene, and respirable particulate matter… Expand
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Wildland firefighter smoke exposure and risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality.
TLDR
This unique approach assessed long term health risks for wildland firefighter and demonstrated that wildland firefighters have an increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality. Expand
Review of the health effects of wildland fire smoke on wildland firefighters and the public
TLDR
Longitudinal studies of wildland firefighters during and/or after the firefighting career could help elucidate some of the unknown health impacts of cumulative exposure to wildland fire smoke, establish occupational exposure limits and help determine the types of exposure controls that may be applicable to the occupation. Expand
Assessment of Ambient and Occupational Exposures to Air Contaminants from Wildland Fire Smoke
Author(s): Navarro, Kathleen McGuire | Advisor(s): Balmes, John R | Abstract: This dissertation combines traditional methods of exposure assessment with new approaches to evaluate exposures in… Expand
Cumulative Firefighter Exposure to Multiple Toxins Emitted During Prescribed Burns in Australia
Firefighters in the line of duty are exposed to many hazardous air toxics released from burning vegetation and other materials that may cause severe health risks. Current literature does not consider… Expand
Exposure to bushfire smoke during prescribed burns and wildfires: firefighters' exposure risks and options.
TLDR
Air toxics within the breathing zone of firefighters at prescribed burns and at wildfires in Australia showed that exposure levels were highly variable, with higher exposures associated with particular work tasks and with certain burn conditions. Expand
Occupational exposure of firefighters to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in non-fire work environments.
TLDR
The results show that even during non-fire situations firefighters are exposed to PAHs at levels that may promote some adverse health outcomes; therefore the respective occupational exposures to these compounds should be carefully controlled. Expand
Occupational Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon of Wildland Firefighters at Prescribed and Wildland Fires.
TLDR
PAH concentrations were higher at wildland fires compared to prescribed fires and were highest for firefighters during job tasks that involve the most direct contact with smoke near an actively burning wildland fire. Expand
Non-Accidental Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke
TLDR
A systematic review of non-accidental health impacts of wildfire and incorporated lessons learned from recent experiences to better understand health impact of wildfire exposure. Expand
Personal Carbon Monoxide Exposures Among Firefighters at Prescribed Forest Burns in the Southeastern United States
TLDR
Overall, the highest exposures were seen amongst firefighters assigned to holding and mop-up tasks, whereas the lowest were associated with lighting and jobs such as burn boss, and the self-reported smoke exposure showed a significant linear trend with increasing CO exposure. Expand
A systematic review of the health impacts of occupational exposure to wildland fires.
TLDR
Further research is required to understand whether occupational exposure to wildland fires results in clinically significant impacts on respiratory function, and to further clarify the relationship between occupational exposure and blood pressure, mental health, and cancer outcomes. Expand
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