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Paiva AM, Barros B, Azevedo R, Oliveira M, Alves S, Esteves F, Fernandes A, Vaz J, Alves MJ, Slezakova K, Pereira MDC, Teixeira JP, Costa S, Almeida A, Morais S. Biomonitoring of firefighters' exposure to priority pollutant metal(loid)s during wildland fire combat missions: Impact on urinary levels and health risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 953:176105. [PMID: 39245390 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Wildland firefighters are exposed to metal(loid)s released during wildfires through vegetation combustion, which also promotes remobilization of accumulated anthropogenic metal(loid)s. Studies biomonitoring metal(loid)s exposure promoted exclusively by wildfire suppression activities are lacking. This work aimed to characterize, for the first time, the impact of real-life wildland firefighting operations on urinary levels of priority pollutant metal(loid)s [14 included in ATSDR, 11 in USEPA, and 4 in Human Biomonitoring for Europe Initiative priority lists] in firefighters. Spot urines were sampled pre-exposure (105 non-smokers, 76 smokers) and post-exposure to firefighting activities (20 non-smokers, 25 smokers); among those, paired samples were collected from 14 non-smoking and 24 smoking firefighters. Smokers displayed significantly higher baseline levels of zinc (28 %), lithium (29 %), cadmium (55 %), rubidium (13 %), and copper (20 %) than non-smokers. Following wildfire suppression, the concentration of the WHO potentially toxic metal(loid)s rose from 2 % to 3 % in smokers and 2 % to 5 % in non-smokers (up to 4 % for all firefighters and up to 5 % in paired samples). Levels of nickel (33-53 %), antimony (45-56 %), and cesium (40-47 %) increased significantly post-exposure in non-smokers (in all firefighters and in paired samples), whose urinary concentrations were generally more impacted by wildfire emissions than those of smokers. Arsenic (80 %) displayed the only significant increase post-exposure in smokers, being the best discriminant of exposure to wildfire emissions in these subjects. Significant positive correlations were found for age and/or career length with cadmium, lead, barium, strontium, and mercury, and for body mass index with arsenic. The reference/guidance values were exceeded for arsenic, zinc, cesium, nickel, antimony, cadmium, lead, thallium, mercury, copper, and cobalt in 1-90 % of firefighters suggesting augmented health risks due to wildfire combating and emphasizing the need of mitigation strategies. This study also provides biomonitoring data to help setting reference values for the occupationally exposed part of population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Paiva
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bela Barros
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Azevedo
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Alves
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, UICISA: E, Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde: Enfermagem, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Filipa Esteves
- Environment Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Adília Fernandes
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, UICISA: E, Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde: Enfermagem, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Josiana Vaz
- CIMO, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Centro de Investigação de Montanha Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; SusTEC, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Sustec - Associate Laboratory for Sustainability and Technology in Inland Regions - Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Maria José Alves
- CIMO, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Centro de Investigação de Montanha Campus Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal; AquaValor - Center for Valorization and Transfer of Water Technology, Rua Dr. Júlio Martins N°1, 5400-342 Chaves, Portugal
| | - Klara Slezakova
- LEPABE-ALiCE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE-ALiCE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- Environment Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Solange Costa
- Environment Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano, 321, 4000-055, Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Almeida
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal.
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Bralewska K, Bralewski A, Wolny P, Chiliński B. Size-resolved particulate matter inside selected fire stations and preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of washing machines in reducing its concentrations. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18137. [PMID: 39103537 PMCID: PMC11300438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69268-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to determine and compare the mass concentration and size distribution of particulate matter (PM) at two Polish fire stations, one equipped with a washing machine intended for the decontamination of uniforms (FSN) and the other not equipped with this type of device (FSC), to assess the effectiveness of washing machines in reducing PM concentrations inside fire stations and estimate PM doses inhaled by firefighters while performing activities in truck bays and changing rooms during one work shift. The average PM concentrations at the FSN were 18.2-28.9 µg/m3 and 27.5-37.3 µg/m3, while at FSC they were 27.4-37.9 µg/m3 and 24.6-32.8 µg/m3 in the truck bays and changing rooms, respectively. At each measurement point, most of the PM mass (65-75%) was accumulated as fine particles. The dominance of fine particles in the total mass of PM results in high values of PM deposition coefficients (0.59-0.61) in three sections of the respiratory tract at each monitoring site. This study initially indicates the effectiveness of washing machines in reducing the concentration of fine particles and demonstrates the necessity, as well as directions for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piotr Wolny
- Fire University, 52/54 Słowackiego St., 01-629, Warsaw, Poland
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Barros B, Paiva AM, Oliveira M, Alves S, Esteves F, Fernandes A, Vaz J, Slezakova K, Costa S, Teixeira JP, Morais S. Baseline data and associations between urinary biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, blood pressure, hemogram, and lifestyle among wildland firefighters. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1338435. [PMID: 38510349 PMCID: PMC10950961 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1338435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Available literature has found an association between firefighting and pathologic pathways leading to cardiorespiratory diseases, which have been linked with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are highlighted as priority pollutants by the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative in occupational and non-occupational contexts. Methods This cross-sectional study is the first to simultaneously characterize six creatinine-adjusted PAHs metabolites (OHPAHs) in urine, blood pressure, cardiac frequency, and hemogram parameters among wildland firefighters without occupational exposure to fire emissions (> 7 days), while exploring several variables retrieved via questionnaires. Results Overall, baseline levels for total OHPAHs levels were 2 to 23-times superior to the general population, whereas individual metabolites remained below the general population median range (except for 1-hydroxynaphthalene+1-hydroxyacenaphtene). Exposure to gaseous pollutants and/or particulate matter during work-shift was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in total OHPAHs levels. Firefighters who smoke presented 3-times higher total concentration of OHPAHs than non-smokers (p < 0.001); non-smoker females presented 2-fold lower total OHPAHs (p = 0.049) than males. 1-hydroxypyrene was below the recommended occupational biological exposure value (2.5 μg/L), and the metabolite of carcinogenic PAH (benzo(a)pyrene) was not detected. Blood pressure was above 120/80 mmHg in 71% of subjects. Firefighters from the permanent intervention team presented significantly increased systolic pressure than those who performed other functions (p = 0.034). Tobacco consumption was significantly associated with higher basophils (p = 0.01-0.02) and hematocrit (p = 0.03). No association between OHPAHs and blood pressure was found. OHPAHs concentrations were positively correlated with monocyte, basophils, large immune cells, atypical lymphocytes, and mean corpuscular volume, which were stronger among smokers. Nevertheless, inverse associations were observed between fluorene and pyrene metabolites with neutrophils and eosinophils, respectively, in non-smokers. Hemogram was negatively affected by overworking and lower physical activity. Conclusion This study suggests possible associations between urinary PAHs metabolites and health parameters in firefighters, that should be further assessed in larger groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bela Barros
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Paiva
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Alves
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, UICISA: E, Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde: Enfermagem, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Filipa Esteves
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- EPIUnit – Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Adília Fernandes
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, UICISA: E, Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde: Enfermagem, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança Campus de Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Josiana Vaz
- CIMO, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Centro de Investigação de Montanha Campus Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
- SusTEC, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Sustec – Associate Laboratory for Sustainability and Technology in Inland Regions – Campus Santa Apolónia, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Klara Slezakova
- LEPABE-ALiCE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, Porto, Portugal
| | - Solange Costa
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
- EPIUnit – Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Porto, Portugal
- EPIUnit – Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Teixeira J, Bessa MJ, Delerue-Matos C, Sarmento B, Santos-Silva A, Rodrigues F, Oliveira M. Firefighters' personal exposure to gaseous PAHs during controlled forest fires: A case study with estimation of respiratory health risks and in vitro toxicity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168364. [PMID: 37963534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are daily exposed to adverse health-hazardous pollutants. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), well known endocrine disruptors with carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic properties, are among the most relevant pollutants. The characterization of firefighters' occupational exposure to airborne PAHs remains limited; information is scarce for European firefighters. Also, the in vitro assessment of firefighters' respiratory health risks is inexistent. To reply to these scientific gaps, this work characterizes the levels of gaseous PAH in firefighters' personal air during regular working activities at controlled forest fires and at fire stations (control group). Breathable levels were 2.2-26.7 times higher during fire events than in the control group (2.63-32.63 μg/m3versus 1.22 μg/m3, p < 0.001); the available occupational guidelines (100 and 200 μg/m3 defined by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the North American Occupational Safety and Health Administration, respectively) were not exceeded. Concentrations of (possible/probable) carcinogenic PAHs were 1.9-15.3 times superior during firefighting (p < 0.001). Increased values of total benzo(a)pyrene equivalents (p = 0.101), dose rates (p < 0.001), and carcinogenic risks (p = 0.063) were estimated in firefighters during controlled fires comparatively with the control group. Firefighters' breathable gaseous phase collected during fire events contributed to induce a significant viability decrease (<70 %; p < 0.05) in A549 and Calu-3 cell lines. The principal component analysis (PCA) allowed the differentiation between firefighters participating in controlled fire events from the control group. PCA analysis demonstrated the potential of PAHs to distinguish different sources of firefighters´ occupational exposure and of combining estimated health risk parameters with in vitro toxicities determined with human-breathable air collected during real-life scenarios. Overall, the participation in controlled fire events contributes to the respiratory health burden of firefighting forces. However, more studies are needed to corroborate these preliminary findings, explore the respiratory toxicological mechanisms, and support the implementation of preventive actions and mitigation strategies to pursue firefighters' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Teixeira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal; REQUIMTE/UCIBIO, Unidade de Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Bessa
- UNIPRO - Unidade de Investigação em Patologia e Reabilitação Oral, Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde (IUCS), CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- UNIPRO - Unidade de Investigação em Patologia e Reabilitação Oral, Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde (IUCS), CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alice Santos-Silva
- REQUIMTE/UCIBIO, Unidade de Ciências Biomoleculares Aplicadas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório Associado i4HB, Instituto para a Saúde e a Bioeconomia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisca Rodrigues
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal.
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Bralewska K. Air pollution inside fire stations: State-of-the-art and future challenges. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 255:114289. [PMID: 37976582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are frequently exposed to products of combustion and pyrolysis. Exposure to these substances occurs not only during fires but also at fire stations, particularly where fire equipment and fire uniforms are stored after firefighting operations. The aims of this study were to review the research on the concentrations of various air pollutants in fire stations, identify the limitations and strengths of such research, identify research gaps and related future challenges, and highlight potential solutions for reducing firefighter exposure to air pollution at fire stations. A total of 32 articles published in international journals during 1987-2023 were selected for analysis. The most frequently studied pollutants in fire stations were polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and diesel particulate matter. Research was most often conducted on changing rooms and garages. Firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, fire trucks, and combustion tools were identified as the main sources of pollution at fire stations. Recommendations aimed at reducing the concentration of pollutants in fire stations were mainly concerned with the systematic decontamination of equipment and the introduction of ventilation solutions that would remove exhaust fumes from garages. This in-depth literature review indicates a lack of comprehensive research on the state and quality of air at fire stations. It also highlights the emerging need for more knowledge on the concentrations of air pollutants in fire stations, health exposure related to these substances, and an analysis of the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Bralewska
- Institute of Safety Engineering, Fire University (formerly Main School of Fire Service), 52/54 Slowackiego Street, Warsaw, 01-629, Poland.
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Teixeira J, Sousa G, Morais S, Delerue-Matos C, Oliveira M. Assessment of coarse, fine, and ultrafine particulate matter at different microenvironments of fire stations. CHEMOSPHERE 2023:139005. [PMID: 37245598 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of respirable particulate matter (PM) and the impact on indoor air quality in occupational settings remains poorly characterized. This study assesses, for the first time, the cumulative and non-cumulative concentrations of 14 fractions of coarse (3.65-9.88 μm), fine (0.156-2.47 μm), and ultrafine (0.015-0.095 μm) PM inside the garage of heavy vehicles, firefighting personal protective equipment' storage room, bar, and a common area of seven Portuguese fire stations. Sampling campaigns were performed during a regular work week at the fire stations. Levels of daily total cumulative PM ranged from 277.4 to 413.2 μg/m3 (maximum values of 811.4 μg/m3), with the bar (370.1 μg/m3) and the PPE' storage room (361.3 μg/m3) presenting slightly increased levels (p > 0.05) than the common area (324.8 μg/m3) and the garage (339.4 μg/m3). The location of the sampling site, the proximity to local industries and commercial activities, the layout of the building, the heating system used, and indoor sources influenced the PM concentrations. Fine (193.8-301.0 μg/m3) and ultrafine (41.3-78.2 μg/m3) particles were predominant in the microenvironments of all fire stations and accounted for 71.5% and 17.8% of daily total cumulative levels, respectively; coarse particles (23.3-47.1 μg/m3) represented 10.7% of total PM. The permissible exposure limit (5.0 mg/m3) defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Organization for respirable dust was not overcome in the evaluated fire stations. Results suggest firefighters' regular exposure to fine and ultrafine PM inside fire stations which will contribute to cardiorespiratory health burden. Further studies are needed to characterize firefighters' exposure to fine and ultrafine PM inside fire stations, identify main emission sources, and evaluate the contribution of exposures at fire stations to firefighters' occupational health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Teixeira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia Do Porto, Instituto Politécnico Do Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gabriel Sousa
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia Do Porto, Instituto Politécnico Do Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia Do Porto, Instituto Politécnico Do Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia Do Porto, Instituto Politécnico Do Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia Do Porto, Instituto Politécnico Do Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal.
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Engelsman M, Banks APW, He C, Nilsson S, Blake D, Jayarthne A, Ishaq Z, Toms LML, Wang X. An Exploratory Analysis of Firefighter Reproduction through Survey Data and Biomonitoring. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085472. [PMID: 37107753 PMCID: PMC10138572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are occupationally exposed to chemicals that may affect fertility. To investigate this effect, firefighters were recruited to contribute blood, urine, breast milk or semen samples to (1) evaluate chemical concentrations and semen parameters against fertility standards and the general population; (2) assess correlations between chemical concentrations and demographics, fire exposure and reproductive history; and (3) consider how occupational exposures may affect reproduction. A total of 774 firefighters completed the online survey, and 97 firefighters produced 125 urine samples, 113 plasma samples, 46 breast milk samples and 23 semen samples. Blood, urine and breast milk samples were analysed for chemical concentrations (semivolatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds, metals). Semen samples were analysed for quality (volume, count, motility, morphology). Firefighter semen parameters were below WHO reference values across multiple parameters. Self-reported rates of miscarriage were higher than the general population (22% vs. 12-15%) and in line with prior firefighter studies. Estimated daily intake for infants was above reference values for multiple chemicals in breast milk. More frequent fire incident exposure (more than once per fortnight), longer duration of employment (≥15 years) or not always using a breathing apparatus demonstrated significantly higher concentrations across a range of investigated chemicals. Findings of this study warrant further research surrounding the risk occupational exposure has on reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Engelsman
- Fire and Rescue NSW, Greenacre, NSW 2190, Australia
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrew P. W. Banks
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Chang He
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - Ayomi Jayarthne
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zubaria Ishaq
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree L. Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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Choi S, Ekpe OD, Sim W, Choo G, Oh JE. Exposure and Risk Assessment of Korean Firefighters to PBDEs and PAHs via Fire Vehicle Dust and Personal Protective Equipment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:520-530. [PMID: 36539350 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were characterized in firefighters' personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e., jackets, pants, hoods, and gloves) and vehicle dust wipe samples to assess the exposure and potential risk of firefighters to these combustion-related toxic pollutants. The mean levels of ∑PBDEs in the fire vehicle dust samples (778 and 449 pg/cm2 for pump trucks and command cars, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the private vehicles (31.2 pg/cm2) (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.05), which was similar to the ∑PAH levels (521, 185, and 46.8 pg/cm2 for pump trucks, command cars, and private vehicles, respectively). In the case of firefighters' PPE, the levels of ∑PBDEs and ∑PAHs in used jackets and pants were found to be, respectively, 70- to 2242-folds and 11- to 265-folds higher than those in their unused counterparts. Biomass/petroleum combustion was found to be the main source of PAH contamination in fire vehicle dust and used PPE in the present study. Both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks via vehicle dust ingestion and dermal absorption from wearing of PPE were within permissible limits, although the relative risk evaluation showed that PAH/PBDE absorption via wearing of PPE could pose a higher likelihood of carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks than the ingestion of pollutants via fire vehicle dust, warranting the need for appropriate management of firefighters' personal protective ensembles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Choi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Okon Dominic Ekpe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonjin Sim
- Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyojin Choo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
- School of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Oh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
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9
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Horn GP, Fent KW, Kerber S, Smith DL. Hierarchy of contamination control in the fire service: Review of exposure control options to reduce cancer risk. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2022; 19:538-557. [PMID: 35853136 PMCID: PMC9928012 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2022.2100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The international fire service community is actively engaged in a wide range of activities focused on development, testing, and implementation of effective approaches to reduce exposure to contaminants and the related cancer risk. However, these activities are often viewed independent of each other and in the absence of the larger overall effort of occupational health risk mitigation. This narrative review synthesizes the current research on fire service contamination control in the context of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hierarchy of Controls, a framework that supports decision making around implementing feasible and effective control solutions in occupational settings. Using this approach, we identify evidence-based measures that have been investigated and that can be implemented to protect firefighters during an emergency response, in the fire apparatus and at the fire station, and identify several knowledge gaps that remain. While a great deal of research and development has been focused on improving personal protective equipment for the various risks faced by the fire service, these measures are considered less effective. Administrative and engineering controls that can be used during and after the firefight have also received increased research interest in recent years. However, less research and development have been focused on higher level control measures such as engineering, substitution, and elimination, which may be the most effective, but are challenging to implement. A comprehensive approach that considers each level of control and how it can be implemented, and that is mindful of the need to balance contamination risk reduction against the fire service mission to save lives and protect property, is likely to be the most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin P Horn
- Fire Safety Research Institute, UL Research Institutes, Columbia, Maryland
- Illinois Fire Service Institute, Champaign, Illinois
| | - Kenneth W Fent
- National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Steve Kerber
- Fire Safety Research Institute, UL Research Institutes, Columbia, Maryland
| | - Denise L Smith
- Illinois Fire Service Institute, Champaign, Illinois
- Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York
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10
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Hoppe-Jones C, Griffin SC, Gulotta JJ, Wallentine DD, Moore PK, Beitel SC, Flahr LM, Zhai J, Zhou JJ, Littau SR, Dearmon-Moore D, Jung AM, Garavito F, Snyder SA, Burgess JL. Evaluation of fireground exposures using urinary PAH metabolites. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:913-922. [PMID: 33654270 PMCID: PMC8445814 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00311-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Hoppe-Jones
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Stephanie C Griffin
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Shawn C Beitel
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Leanne M Flahr
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jing Zhai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jin J Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Sally R Littau
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Devi Dearmon-Moore
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Alesia M Jung
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Fernanda Garavito
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shane A Snyder
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jefferey L Burgess
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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11
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Classification of Critical Levels of CO Exposure of Firefigthers through Monitored Heart Rate. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21051561. [PMID: 33668116 PMCID: PMC7956572 DOI: 10.3390/s21051561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Smoke inhalation poses a serious health threat to firefighters (FFs), with potential effects including respiratory and cardiac disorders. In this work, environmental and physiological data were collected from FFs, during experimental fires performed in 2015 and 2019. Extending a previous work, which allowed us to conclude that changes in heart rate (HR) were associated with alterations in the inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO), we performed a HR analysis according to different levels of CO exposure during firefighting based on data collected from three FFs. Based on HR collected and on CO occupational exposure standards (OES), we propose a classifier to identify CO exposure levels through the HR measured values. An ensemble of 100 bagged classification trees was used and the classification of CO levels obtained an overall accuracy of 91.9%. The classification can be performed in real-time and can be embedded in a decision fire-fighting support system. This classification of FF’ exposure to critical CO levels, through minimally-invasive monitored HR, opens the possibility to identify hazardous situations, preventing and avoiding possible severe problems in FF’ health due to inhaled pollutants. The obtained results also show the importance of future studies on the relevance and influence of the exposure and inhalation of pollutants on the FF’ health, especially in what refers to hazardous levels of toxic air pollutants.
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12
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Banks APW, Thai P, Engelsman M, Wang X, Osorio AF, Mueller JF. Characterising the exposure of Australian firefighters to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons generated in simulated compartment fires. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 231:113637. [PMID: 33080523 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to a wide variety of chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) while attending fire scenes. The objective of this study was to understand the exposure of firefighters to PAHs when attending simulated compartment fires that consisted of either a diesel pan or particleboard fire. Firefighters remained in the compartment fires for 15 min while using standard gear including self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Firefighters were able to remove firefighting clothing and shower within 10 min of leaving the burn. Air samples were collected from inside the compartment during the fire. Twenty-six (26) firefighters participated in the study providing urine and skin wipe samples collected from the wrist and neck before and after either one of the burn types. The concentrations of PAHs were measured in skin wipes and air samples, while concentrations of monohydroxy metabolites of PAHs (OH-PAHs) were measured in urine. The concentrations of all PAHs were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the smoke layer of particleboard fires than in diesel pan fires. Correspondingly, the level of PAHs deposited on the wrists and necks of participants attending the particleboard fires was higher than those attending diesel pan fires. Urine samples from participants who attended diesel pan fires showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the concentration of all OH-PAHs between pre-burn and post-burn. Samples from participants who attended particleboard fires, showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) concentrations in urine pre- and post-burn. However, median concentrations of hydroxynaphthalenes (OH-NAPs), hydroxyfluorenes (OH-FLUs) and hydroxyphenanthrenes (OH-PHEs) increased significantly from 5.2, 0.44 and 0.88 μg g-1 creatinine pre-burn to 12, 1.4 and 1.2 μg g-1 creatinine post-burn, respectively. This suggests that in compartment burns with high concentrations of PAHs in the smoke layer, such as those created by the particleboard fires, exposure to PAHs can be observed though urinary OH-PAH metabolites. Overall, concentrations of urinary OH-PAHs were relatively low considering the potential exposure in these burns. This suggests protective equipment in combination with rapid removal of firefighting ensembles and showering are relatively effective in controlling exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P W Banks
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Phong Thai
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Michelle Engelsman
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia; FRNSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, 1 Amarina Avenue, Greenacre, NSW, 2190, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Andres F Osorio
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
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13
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Engelsman M, Toms LML, Banks APW, Wang X, Mueller JF. Biomonitoring in firefighters for volatile organic compounds, semivolatile organic compounds, persistent organic pollutants, and metals: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109562. [PMID: 32526498 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals due to combustion, with numerous biomonitoring studies completed that have assessed exposure. Many of these studies focus on individual classes of chemicals, with a few considering a broad range of systemic exposures. As yet, no review process has been undertaken to comprehensively examine these studies. The aims of this review are to: (1) ascertain whether biomonitoring studies pertaining to firefighters demonstrate occupational exposure to volatile organic compounds, semivolatile organic compounds, and metals; (2) determine and present results of biomonitoring studies; (3) provide any recommendations presented from the literature that may support exposure mitigation; and (4) suggest future study parameters that may assist in providing a greater understanding surrounding the occupational exposure of firefighters. A systematic review was undertaken with regards to firefighters and biomonitoring studies utilising the matrices of blood, urine, semen and breast milk. This yielded 5690 results. Following duplicate removal, inclusion and exclusion criteria screening and full text screening, 34 studies remained for review. Results of over 80% of studies analysed determined firefighters to experience occupational exposure. Results also show firefighters to be exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals due to fire smoke; potentially exceeding the range of exposure of other occupations. As firefighters may face increased risk of health effects due to the additive, synergistic, and/or antagonistic effects of chemical exposure, all care must be taken to reduce exposure. This may be achieved by considering tactical decisions, increased personal hygiene, and thorough decontamination procedures. Future biomonitoring studies recognising and assessing the range of chemical exposure firefighters face would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Engelsman
- 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.
| | - Leisa-Maree L Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work and Institute of Biomedical Health and Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Andrew P W Banks
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
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14
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Delove Tegladza I, Qi T, Chen T, Alorku K, Tang S, Shen W, Kong D, Yuan A, Liu J, Lee HK. Direct immersion single-drop microextraction of semi-volatile organic compounds in environmental samples: A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 393:122403. [PMID: 32126428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Single-drop microextraction (SDME) techniques are efficient approaches to pretreatment of aqueous samples. The main advantage of SDME lies in the miniaturization of the solvent extraction process, minimizing the hazards associated with the use of toxic organic solvents. Thus, SDME techniques are cost-effective, and represent less harm to the environment, subscribing to green analytical chemistry principles. In practice, two main approaches can be used to perform SDME - direct immersion (DI)-SDME and headspace (HS)-SDME. Even though the DI-SDME has been shown to be quite effective for extraction and enrichment of various organic compounds, applications of DI-SDME are normally more suitable for moderately polar and non-polar semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) using organic solvents which are immiscible with water. In this review, we present a historical overview and current advances in DI-SDME, including the common analytical tools which are usually coupled with DI-SDME. The review also focuses on applications concerning SVOCs in environmental samples. Currents trends in DI-SDME and possible future direction of the procedure are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Delove Tegladza
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Tong Qi
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Tianyu Chen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Kingdom Alorku
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Sheng Tang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Wei Shen
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Dezhao Kong
- School of Grain Science and Technology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Aihua Yuan
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 200137, PR China
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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15
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Alexakis DE. Suburban areas in flames: Dispersion of potentially toxic elements from burned vegetation and buildings. Estimation of the associated ecological and human health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109153. [PMID: 32078824 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The results of the assessment of burned residential and wildland areas associated with the July 2018 western Attica wildfire are summarised. The dispersion of major and trace elements in a fire impacted suburban landscape which is adjacent in the north with a Natura 2000 area is evaluated. The dataset includes 35 elements and 27 sampling sites spatially distributed in wildland and residential areas. Field observations and a macroscopic method were applied for investigating the wildfire severity. Statistical and spatial analysis tools were used for data treatment. Major and trace element contents were compared to levels and criteria provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and Australian Department of Environment and Conservation. Aluminum, As, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sb and Zn concentrations observed in wildfire ash pose potential risk to human health. Median ash concentrations for Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, Sb, and Zn exceeds the plant-avian-mammalian screening levels in wildland and residential areas. Geogenic or anthropogenic origin of the elements is discussed. The associated health risk on human health and terrestrial ecological receptors (plant, avian, mammalian) is assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios E Alexakis
- Laboratory of Geoenvironmental Science and Environmental Quality Assurance, Department of Civil Engineering, University of West Attica, 250 Thivon & P.Ralli Str., 12244, Athens, Greece.
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16
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Banks APW, Engelsman M, He C, Wang X, Mueller JF. The occurrence of PAHs and flame-retardants in air and dust from Australian fire stations. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2020; 17:73-84. [PMID: 31910147 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2019.1699246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to a wide range of chemicals whilst on duty, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphate flame-retardants (OPFRs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These groups of chemicals are related to combustion emissions. PAHs are formed during combustion. OPFRs and PBDEs are flame-retardants and are inadvertently released during combustion. Exposure to these chemicals occurs when attending fire scenes, and firefighters can track these chemicals back into fire stations leading to further exposure. The objective of this study was to understand the concentrations of PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs in fire stations, to evaluate factors that affect chemical concentration, and to assess how air and dust could contribute to firefighters' relevant exposure risk. Concentrations of 13 PAHs, 9 OPFRs, and 8 PBDEs were quantified in fire station dust (n = 49) and air (n = 15) samples collected between November 2017 and February 2018. The median ∑13PAH concentration was 15 ng m-3 and 3.1 µg g-1 in air and dust, respectively, while the median ∑9 OPFR concentration was 56 ng m-3 in air and 84 µg g-1 in dust, and ∑8 PBDE had a median concentration of 0.78 ng m-3 in air and 26 µg g-1 in dust. The estimated daily intakes through dust and air for ∑13 PAHs, ∑9 OPFRs, and ∑8 PBDEs in firefighters were 3.6, 17, and 1.6 ng (kg body weight)-1 day-1, respectively. The worst-case estimated daily intakes were only 2% of the reference dose for individual chemicals. Pearson's correlations with chemical concentration for several PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs were found between the number of years since fire stations were last renovated, as well as the storage locations of firefighting ensembles. These results suggest chemicals are brought back to fire stations from fire scenes and that they are accumulating in fire stations. They also suggest soiled firefighting ensembles are a source of these chemicals in fire stations and that their proximity to the rest of the station determines the extent to which they contribute to chemical concentrations in fire stations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P W Banks
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michelle Engelsman
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- FRNSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, Greenacre, NSW, Australia
| | - Chang He
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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