Characterization of Firefighter Exposures According to Task in Fireplace

Abstract

Objective The high mortality rates and safety and health problems among firefighters have gained attention and highlighted the need to improve safety. Firefighters are known to be exposed to a variety of toxic and carcinogenic substances such as benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, and asbestos. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies firefighters as Group 2B (potentially cancer-causing occupation). Although firefighters are classified as a high-risk group, little information is available about the hazardous agents they are exposed to during fire extinguishing activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate firefighter exposure to these hazardous agents during various fire extinguishing tasks.

Methods Personal breathing zone samples of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX), metals, particulates, and asbestos were collected from firefighters to characterize firefighter exposure levels. We classified firefighting tasks into fire extinguishing, overhaul, and fire investigation activities. A total of 14 fire activities were surveyed in this study: five fire extinguishing, six overhaul, and three fire investigations. Sampling areas included a laundry, outlet store, temporary building, underground parking lot, sauna in a public bath, apartment, printing house, restaurant congested buildings.

Results Firefighters were exposed to carcinogenic substances such as PAH, benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, and asbestos. Although no substance exceeded the ACGIH TLV, PAHs were detected in every sample. Naphthalene (Group 2B by the IARC) ranged from 0.24~279.13 mg/m3 (median 49.6 mg/m3) and benzo(a)pyrene was detected in one overhaul case at 10.85 µg/m3. Benzene (0.01–12.2 ppm) was detected in every task and exceeded the ACGIH TLV (0.5 ppm) at two fire extinguishing, two overhaul, and one fire investigation activity. Respirable particles were detected (0.08–7.55 mg/m3) and exceeded the ACGIH TLV (3 mg/m3) at two fire extinguishing and one overhaul case.

Conclusion These results indicate that all firefighting tasks generated various hazardous combustion products, including known and possible carcinogens and particulate matter. Peak exposure to benzene and respirable particles may be very high during all three kinds of tasks. Although the environment during overhaul and fire investigation may not appear dangerous, firefighters are actually exposed to a variety of hazardous substances.