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Environ Res

Title:		Exposure to metals and semivolatile organic compounds in Australian fire stations
Author(s):		Engelsman M; Snoek MF; Banks APW; Cantrell P; Wang X; Toms LM; Koppel DJ;
Address:		"Fire and Rescue NSW, 1 Amarina Avenue, Greenacre, NSW, 2190, Australia; QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia. Electronic address: michelle.engelsman@fire.nsw.gov.au. Centre for Health Service Development, Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI), Faculty of Business, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia. QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia. SafeWork NSW, Hygiene & Toxicology Team, Hazardous Chemical Facilities & Safety Management Audits, Policy and Regulation Division, Department of Customer Services, Australia. School of Public Health and Social Work and Institute of Biomedical Health and Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia. Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia"
Journal Title:		Environ Res
Year:		2019
Volume:		20190916
Issue:		Pt A
Page Number:		108745 -
DOI:		10.1016/j.envres.2019.108745
ISSN/ISBN:		1096-0953 (Electronic) 0013-9351 (Linking)
Abstract:		"Firefighting is an occupation with exposure to a wide range of chemicals by means of inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact. Although advancements in personal protective clothing and equipment have reduced the risks for acute exposure during fire suppression operations, chronic exposure may still be present at elevated levels in fire stations. The aim of this study was to assess chemicals in air and on surfaces in fire stations, compare this with other indoor environments, and use this data to estimate firefighter exposure within the fire station. Fifteen Australian fire stations were selected for chemical exposure assessment by means of 135 active air monitors, 60 passive air monitors, and 918 wipe samples. These samples were collected from the interior and exterior of fire stations, from personal protective clothing and equipment, and from within the cabins of vehicles. Chemicals analysed included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, metals, and diesel particulate matter. Specific chemicals were detected from within each class of chemicals, with metals being most frequently detected. Statistical analysis by means of Pearson's Correlations and threshold tests were used to consider the source of exposure, and a collective addition risk quotient calculation was used to determine firefighter exposure. The presence of metals in fire stations was compared with findings from global indoor dust measurements. Concentrations across firefighter ensemble, inside vehicle cabins, and within fire stations for chromium (39.5-493?ª+mug/m(2)), lead (46.7-619?ª+mug/m(2)), copper (594-3440?ª+mug/m(2)), zinc (11100-20900?ª+mug/m(2)), nickel (28.6-2469?ª+mug/m(2)) and manganese (73.0-997?ª+mug/m(2)) were in most instances orders of magnitude higher when compared with concentrations measured in homes and offices. Our study suggests that the elevated concentrations are associated with the transfer of chemicals from fire suppression operations. Due to this elevated concentration of chemicals, firefighters may face increased exposure, and in turn increased risk of adverse health effects. Data suggest that exposure may be mitigated by means of increased laundering frequency and increased decontamination at the scene of the fire"
Keywords:		"Air Pollutants, Occupational/*analysis Australia *Firefighters Humans *Metals Occupational Exposure/*statistics & numerical data Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Volatile Organic Compounds/*analysis Air sampling Carcinogens Diesel particulate matter Expos;"
Notes:		"MedlineEngelsman, Michelle Snoek, Milena F Banks, Andrew P W Cantrell, Phillip Wang, Xianyu Toms, Leisa-Maree Koppel, Darren J eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Netherlands 2019/09/24 Environ Res. 2019 Dec; 179(Pt A):108745. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108745. Epub 2019 Sep 16"