1
|
Paiva AM, Barros B, Oliveira M, Alves S, Esteves F, Fernandes A, Vaz J, Slezáková K, Teixeira JP, Costa S, Morais S. Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and short-time health effects in wildland firefighters during real-life fire events. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171801. [PMID: 38508274 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171801] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring data retrieved from real-life wildland firefighting in Europe and, also, worldwide are scarce. Thus, in this study, 176 Portuguese firefighters were biomonitored pre- and post- unsimulated wildfire combating (average:12-13 h; maximum: 55 h) to evaluate the impact on the levels of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons hydroxylated metabolites (OHPAH; quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection) and the associated short-term health effects (symptoms, and total and differentiated white blood cells). Correlations between these variables and data retrieved from the self-reported questionnaires were also investigated. Firefighters were organized into four groups according to their exposure to wildfire emissions and their smoking habits: non-smoking non-exposed (NSNExp), non-smoking exposed (NSExp), smoking non-exposed (SNExp), and smoking and exposed (SExp). The most abundant metabolites were 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 1-hydroxyacenaphthene (1OHNaph + 1OHAce) (98-99 %), followed by 2-hydroxyfluorene (2OHFlu) (0.2-1.1 %), 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (1OHPhen) (0.2-0.4 %), and 1-hydroxypyrene (1OHPy) (0.1-0.2 %); urinary 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene was not detected. The exposure to wildfire emissions significantly elevated the median concentrations of each individual and total OHPAH compounds in all groups, but this effect was more pronounced in non-smoking (1.7-4.2 times; p ≤ 0.006) than in smoking firefighters (1.3-1.6 times; p ≤ 0.03). The greatest discriminant of exposure to wildfire emissions was 1OHNaph + 1OHAce (increase of 4.2 times), while for tobacco smoke it was 2OHFlu (increase of 10 times). Post-exposure, white blood cells count significantly increased ranging from 1.4 (smokers, p = 0.025) to 3.7-fold (non-smokers, p < 0.001), which was accompanied by stronger significant correlations (0.480 < r < 0.882; p < 0.04) between individual and total OHPAH and total white blood cells (and lymphocytes > monocytes > neutrophils in non-smokers), evidencing the impact of PAH released from wildfire on immune cells. This study identifies Portuguese firefighters with high levels of biomarkers of exposure to PAH and points out the importance of adopting biomonitoring schemes, that include multiple biomarkers of exposure and biomarkers of effect, and implementing mitigations strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Paiva
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bela Barros
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of 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, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Filipa Esteves
- Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; EPIUnit, Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Adília Fernandes
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, UICISA: E, Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde: Enfermagem, 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
| | - Klára Slezáková
- LEPABE-ALiCE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- Environmental 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
- Environmental 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
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barbosa JV, Nunes RAO, Alvim-Ferraz MCM, Martins FG, Sousa SIV. Health and economic burden of wildland fires PM 2.5-related pollution in Portugal - A longitudinal study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117490. [PMID: 37879391 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117490] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Portugal has been affected by wildland fires that destroy thousands of hectares of forest, causing damage to the environment and to the exposed populations. This study aims to assess the influence of wildland fire emissions on air quality, its effect on population health and the related costs, between 2015 and 2018 in Portugal. The cause-specific mortality due to PM2.5 was calculated considering the exposure for five endpoints in adults, twelve age groups for adults and considering children under five years old. The contribution of wildfire emissions to PM2.5 concentrations in Portugal was assessed through EMEP-MSC/W model. Results showed that the average annual fire emissions of PM2.5, CO, CH4, CO2 and NO2 a significant and continuous increase was observed during the first three years (2015, 2016 and 2017) for all pollutants, followed by a decrease in 2018, with values lower than those observed in 2015. Regarding the long-term exposure to PM2.5 emitted by fires a total of 32, 93, 189 and 31 deaths, corresponding to a cost of 59, 174, 360 and 60 million EUR in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, were estimated. On the other hand, in the first three years an increase in years of life lost (YLL) values of 496, 1608 and 3092 was observed, corresponding to a cost of 16, 54 and 105 million EUR, respectively, followed by a decrease in 2018 with a YLL of 480, corresponding to a cost of 17 M€.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana V Barbosa
- LEPABE-Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rafael A O Nunes
- LEPABE-Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria C M Alvim-Ferraz
- LEPABE-Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando G Martins
- LEPABE-Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia I V Sousa
- LEPABE-Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; ALiCE - Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Furlong MA, Liu T, Snider JM, Tfaily MM, Itson C, Beitel S, Parsawar K, Keck K, Galligan J, Walker DI, Gulotta JJ, Burgess JL. Evaluating changes in firefighter urinary metabolomes after structural fires: an untargeted, high resolution approach. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20872. [PMID: 38012297 PMCID: PMC10682406 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47799-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Firefighters have elevated rates of urinary tract cancers and other adverse health outcomes, which may be attributable to environmental occupational exposures. Untargeted metabolomics was applied to characterize this suite of environmental exposures and biological changes in response to occupational firefighting. 200 urine samples from 100 firefighters collected at baseline and two to four hours post-fire were analyzed using untargeted liquid-chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Changes in metabolite abundance after a fire were estimated with fixed effects linear regression, with false discovery rate (FDR) adjustment. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was also used, and variable important projection (VIP) scores were extracted. Systemic changes were evaluated using pathway enrichment for highly discriminating metabolites. Metabolome-wide-association-study (MWAS) identified 268 metabolites associated with firefighting activity at FDR q < 0.05. Of these, 20 were annotated with high confidence, including the amino acids taurine, proline, and betaine; the indoles kynurenic acid and indole-3-acetic acid; the known uremic toxins trimethylamine n-oxide and hippuric acid; and the hormone 7a-hydroxytestosterone. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) additionally implicated choline, cortisol, and other hormones. Significant pathways included metabolism of urea cycle/amino group, alanine and aspartate, aspartate and asparagine, vitamin b3 (nicotinate and nicotinamide), and arginine and proline. Firefighters show a broad metabolic response to fires, including altered excretion of indole compounds and uremic toxins. Implicated pathways and features, particularly uremic toxins, may be important regulators of firefighter's increased risk for urinary tract cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Furlong
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
| | - Tuo Liu
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Justin M Snider
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, USA
| | - Malak M Tfaily
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Christian Itson
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Shawn Beitel
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Krishna Parsawar
- Analytical and Biological Mass Spectrometry Core, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | - Kristen Keck
- Analytical and Biological Mass Spectrometry Core, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
| | | | - Douglas I Walker
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jefferey L Burgess
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barros B, Oliveira M, Morais S. Biomonitoring of firefighting forces: a review on biomarkers of exposure to health-relevant pollutants released from fires. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2023; 26:127-171. [PMID: 36748115 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2023.2172119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure as a firefighter has recently been classified as a carcinogen to humans by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Biomonitoring has been increasingly used to characterize exposure of firefighting forces to contaminants. However, available data are dispersed and information on the most relevant and promising biomarkers in this context of firefighting is missing. This review presents a comprehensive summary and critical appraisal of existing biomarkers of exposure including volatile organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, several other persistent other organic pollutants as well as heavy metals and metalloids detected in biological fluids of firefighters attending different fire scenarios. Urine was the most characterized matrix, followed by blood. Firefighters exhaled breath and saliva were poorly evaluated. Overall, biological levels of compounds were predominantly increased in firefighters after participation in firefighting activities. Biomonitoring studies combining different biomarkers of exposure and of effect are currently limited but exploratory findings are of high interest. However, biomonitoring still has some unresolved major limitations since reference or recommended values are not yet established for most biomarkers. In addition, half-lives values for most of the biomarkers have thus far not been defined, which significantly hampers the design of studies. These limitations need to be tackled urgently to improve risk assessment and support implementation of better more effective preventive strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bela Barros
- 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
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE-LAQV,Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Taeger D, Koslitz S, Käfferlein HU, Pelzl T, Heinrich B, Breuer D, Weiss T, Harth V, Behrens T, Brüning T. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons assessed by biomonitoring of firefighters during fire operations in Germany. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 248:114110. [PMID: 36634384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters are exposed to a variety of hazardous substances including carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) during firefighting. In order to minimize the uptake of such substances into the body, firefighters wear personal protective equipment. Only few data exist from real-life firefighting missions and under common although highly variable exposure scenarios such as fighting fires in residential buildings, outdoor, and vehicle fires. The aim of this study is to assess the levels of 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as marker for incorporated PAH during firefighting operations in Germany using biomonitoring methods. METHODS We analyzed urine samples for 1-OHP from 77 firefighters who reported firefighting operations (with and without creatinine adjustment). Urine samples were collected before (baseline) and, where applicable, after firefighting operations at three time points subsequent (2-4, 6-8, and 12 h). RESULTS Compared to the baseline measurements, mean 1-OHP concentrations after firefighting missions were doubled (0.14 vs. 0.31 μg/L urine, 0.13 μg/g vs. 0.27 μg/g creatinine) and this increase was observed 2-4 h after firefighting. Firefighting in residential buildings (N = 54) and of outdoor and vehicle fires (N = 17) occurred most frequently, whereas blazes, vegetation fires, and fires in underground facilities (N = 6) were rarely encountered. For residential building fires, a 3-fold increase in mean 1-OPH concentrations was observed, whereas no increase could be observed for outdoor and vehicle fires. The highest increase was observed for firefighters with interior attack missions (0.11 μg/L vs. 0.48 μg/L 1-OHP) despite the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). During the suppression of outdoor or vehicle fires using SCBA, again, no increase was observed. Although PAH are taken up during certain firefighting missions, the 1-OHP levels almost entirely remained (in 64 of the 77 reported missions) within the normal range of the German general population, i.e., below the reference levels (95th percentiles) of smokers (0.73 μg/g creatinine) and non-smokers (0.30 μg/g creatine). CONCLUSION Under study conditions, properly applied protective clothing and wearing of SCBA led to a significant reduction of PAH exposure levels. But there are individual situations in which PAH are increasingly incorporated since the incorporation depends on several factors and can be extremely variable. In contrast to many workplaces with high occupational exposure levels, firefighters are not exposed to PAH on a daily basis. Nevertheless, the possibility of an individual increased cancer risk for a particular firefighter cannot completely be ruled out.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Taeger
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany.
| | - Stephan Koslitz
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Heiko U Käfferlein
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Tim Pelzl
- Unfallkasse Baden-Württemberg (UKBW), Germany
| | - Birgit Heinrich
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Dietmar Breuer
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Germany
| | - Thomas Behrens
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüning
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kunz KR, Turcotte K, Pawer S, Zheng A, Purewal A, Wellar A, Karmali S, Garis L, Thomas LS, Pike I. Cancer in female firefighters: The clinicobiological, psychological, and social perspectives. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1126066. [PMID: 37124817 PMCID: PMC10130581 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1126066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study explored how demographic characteristics, life experiences, and firefighting exposures have an impact on cancer among female firefighters, and described the types and biologic characteristics of cancers as reported by women in the fire service. Methods The online survey was available from June 2019 to July 2020. Questions related to demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, firefighting exposures, and cancer diagnoses. Descriptive analyses characterized variables by the presence or absence of cancer. Qualitative data provided insight into both firefighting and cancer experiences among women. Results There were 1,344 female firefighter respondents from 12 different countries, 256 of whom provided information on their cancer diagnosis. North American respondents made up 92% of the total. Those with cancer were older, had been in the fire service longer, had more career fires and toxic exposures, and were less likely to still be in active service. They also reported more tobacco use, and more full-term pregnancies. There were no differences in family history of cancer between the two groups. The average age at diagnosis was 39.0 years. The major types of cancer reported included breast (25.4%), cervical (21.1%), melanoma (20.7%), base cell/skin (16.4%), and uterine (14.8%). The cancer was detected when seeking medical attention for symptoms (42.1%), during routine health screening (29.8%), and during specific cancer screening (28.1%). The stage of cancer was reported by 44.5%, and 30.9% included the histopathological grade. Treatments included surgery (72.7%), chemotherapy (14.8%), radiotherapy (13.7%), and observation (13.7%). Challenges associated with cancer included psychosocial (33.2%), financial (18.8%), physical (6.6%), and spiritual (6.3%). Concerns about reporting a cancer experience to their employer included the desire to keep health information private (11.3%), a feeling of vulnerability (7.4%), and being perceived as weak (7.0%). Lack of support from their employer or insurer was also noted. Conclusion Female firefighters experienced a wide variety of different types of cancers which may come earlier than similar cancers in the public. These findings can help inform resource allocation, the development of new policies, and the need for broader presumptive coverage to support female firefighters diagnosed with cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Turcotte
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Kate Turcotte,
| | - Samantha Pawer
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alex Zheng
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amanat Purewal
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alyssa Wellar
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shazya Karmali
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Len Garis
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Culture, Media, and Society, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
| | | | - Ian Pike
- BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Louro H, Gomes BC, Saber AT, Iamiceli AL, Göen T, Jones K, Katsonouri A, Neophytou CM, Vogel U, Ventura C, Oberemm A, Duca RC, Fernandez MF, Olea N, Santonen T, Viegas S, Silva MJ. The Use of Human Biomonitoring to Assess Occupational Exposure to PAHs in Europe: A Comprehensive Review. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10080480. [PMID: 36006159 PMCID: PMC9414426 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10080480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the chemicals with proven impact on workers' health. The use of human biomonitoring (HBM) to assess occupational exposure to PAHs has become more common in recent years, but the data generated need an overall view to make them more usable by regulators and policymakers. This comprehensive review, developed under the Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) Initiative, was based on the literature available from 2008-2022, aiming to present and discuss the information on occupational exposure to PAHs, in order to identify the strengths and limitations of exposure and effect biomarkers and the knowledge needs for regulation in the workplace. The most frequently used exposure biomarker is urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR), a metabolite of pyrene. As effect biomarkers, those based on the measurement of oxidative stress (urinary 8-oxo-dG adducts) and genotoxicity (blood DNA strand-breaks) are the most common. Overall, a need to advance new harmonized approaches both in data and sample collection and in the use of appropriate biomarkers in occupational studies to obtain reliable and comparable data on PAH exposure in different industrial sectors, was noted. Moreover, the use of effect biomarkers can assist to identify work environments or activities of high risk, thus enabling preventive risk mitigation and management measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henriqueta Louro
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), Nova Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bruno Costa Gomes
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), Nova Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anne Thoustrup Saber
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Göen
- IPASUM, Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kate Jones
- Health and Safety Executive, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9JN, UK
| | - Andromachi Katsonouri
- Cyprus State General Laboratory, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 28648, Nicosia 2081, Cyprus
| | - Christiana M. Neophytou
- Cyprus State General Laboratory, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 28648, Nicosia 2081, Cyprus
- Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Ulla Vogel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, Bygning 202, DK-2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Célia Ventura
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), Nova Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Axel Oberemm
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Radu Corneliu Duca
- Unit Environmental Hygiene and Human Biological Monitoring, Department of Health Protection, Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), 1, Rue Louis Rech, 3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), O&N 5b, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mariana F. Fernandez
- Centre of Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolas Olea
- Centre of Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00250 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susana Viegas
- Public Health Research Centre, NOVA National School of Public Health, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Silva
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health (ToxOmics), Nova Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hwang J, Xu C, Grunsted P, Agnew RJ, Malone TR, Clifton S, Thompson K, Xu X. Urinary Metabolites of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Firefighters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8475. [PMID: 35886320 PMCID: PMC9318785 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are intermittently exposed to complex, mixed pollutants in random settings. Of those pollutants, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are the most commonly studied and best understood. PAH exposure can occur via multiple routes; therefore, the levels of hydroxylated metabolites of PAHs in urine have been used as a biomonitoring tool for risk assessment. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to estimate the levels of urinary hydroxylated PAH (OHPAH) among firefighters, determine risk attributions, and, finally, evaluate the scope of preventive efforts and their utility as diagnostic tools. The meta-regression confirmed increases in OHPAH concentrations after fire activities by up to 1.71-times (p-values: <0.0001). Samples collected at a time point of 2−4 h after a fire suppression showed a consistent, statistically significant pattern as compared with baseline samples. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 1582 Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments lists various health examinations, including a urinalysis for occupational chemical exposure if indicated and medical screening for cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Biomonitoring is a valuable screening tool for assessing occupational exposure and the results of this meta-analysis support their inclusion in regular health screenings for firefighters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jooyeon Hwang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Chao Xu
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (C.X.); (P.G.)
| | - Paul Grunsted
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (C.X.); (P.G.)
| | - Robert J. Agnew
- Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology Program, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
| | - Tara R. Malone
- Department of Health Sciences Library and Information Management, Graduate College, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (T.R.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Shari Clifton
- Department of Health Sciences Library and Information Management, Graduate College, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (T.R.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Krista Thompson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Xin Xu
- Shanghai Anti-Doping Laboratory, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fent KW, Mayer AC, Toennis C, Sammons D, Robertson S, Chen IC, Bhandari D, Blount BC, Kerber S, Smith DL, Horn GP. Firefighters' urinary concentrations of VOC metabolites after controlled-residential and training fire responses. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 242:113969. [PMID: 35421664 PMCID: PMC9969558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Firefighters are exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during structural fire responses and training fires, several of which (e.g., benzene, acrolein, styrene) are known or probable carcinogens. Exposure studies have found that firefighters can absorb chemicals like benzene even when self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are worn, suggesting that dermal absorption contributes to potentially harmful exposures. However, few studies have characterized VOC metabolites in urine from firefighters. OBJECTIVES We quantified VOC metabolites in firefighters' urine following live firefighting activity across two field studies. METHODS In two separate controlled field studies, spot urine was collected before and 3 h after firefighters and firefighter students responded to simulated residential and training fires. Urine was also collected from instructors from the training fire study before the first and 3 h after the last training scenario for each day (instructors led three training scenarios per day). Samples were analyzed for metabolites of VOCs to which firefighters may be exposed. RESULTS In the residential fire study, urinary metabolites of xylenes (2MHA), toluene (BzMA), and styrene (MADA) increased significantly (at 0.05 level) from pre- to post-fire. In the training fire study, MADA concentrations increased significantly from pre- to post-fire for both firefighter students and instructors. Urinary concentrations of benzene metabolites (MUCA and PhMA) increased significantly from pre- to post-fire for instructors, while metabolites of xylenes (3MHA+4MHA) and acrolein (3HPMA) increased significantly for firefighter students. The two highest MUCA concentrations measured post-shift from instructors exceeded the BEI of 500 μg/g creatinine. CONCLUSIONS Some of the metabolites that were significantly elevated post-fire are known or probable human carcinogens (benzene, styrene, acrolein); thus, exposure to these compounds should be eliminated or reduced as much as possible through the hierarchy of controls. Given stringent use of SCBA, it appears that dermal exposure contributes in part to the levels measured here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W. Fent
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alexander C. Mayer
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Deborah Sammons
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH, CDC, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - I-Chen Chen
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Deepak Bhandari
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Benjamin C. Blount
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steve Kerber
- Fire Safety Research Institute, Underwriters Laboratories Inc, Columbia, MD, USA
| | - Denise L. Smith
- Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY, USA, Illinois Fire Service Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Gavin P. Horn
- Fire Safety Research Institute, Underwriters Laboratories Inc, Columbia, MD, USA, Illinois Fire Service Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gamboa-Loira B, López-Carrillo L, Mar-Sánchez Y, Stern D, Cebrián ME. Epidemiologic evidence of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 290:133237. [PMID: 34929281 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women. However, only 58% of cases have been associated with known risk factors (reproductive, hormonal, lifestyles, and genetic), and the rest to unknown causes. Nevertheless, growing evidence suggests that exposure to environmental contaminants is an important risk factor for BC. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed during organic matter combustion, including smoking, grilled meat, and fuels, and are important carcinogenic constituents of environmental pollution. We examined the information generated by epidemiological studies evaluating the association between BC and PAHs exposure from multiple sources. Our work was conducted according to Conducting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies of Etiology (COSMOS-E) guidelines. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 2000 to December 2019. A total of 124 records were identified, and only 23 articles met all inclusion criteria. Occupational and/or environmental exposure to PAHs was significantly associated with BC, irrespective of exposure being assessed by direct or indirect methods. CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 adverse polymorphisms, familial BC history and smoking status, significantly strengthened the association between PAHs exposure and BC, whereas high fruit and vegetable intake had antagonistic associations. The positive relationships obtained in the studies here reviewed indicated that PAHs exposure is a risk factor for BC. Research needs include the improvement of exposure assessment, particularly identification of specific PAHs, reconstruction of time-varying and distant past exposures and further studies on the interaction between known BC factors and modifiable diet and life-style factors allowing BC prevention and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Gamboa-Loira
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, C.P. 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Lizbeth López-Carrillo
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, C.P. 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Yuliana Mar-Sánchez
- CINVESTAV Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico.
| | - Dalia Stern
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, C.P. 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Mariano E Cebrián
- CINVESTAV Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Human Biomonitoring of Selected Hazardous Compounds in Portugal: Part I-Lessons Learned on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Metals, Metalloids, and Pesticides. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 27:molecules27010242. [PMID: 35011472 PMCID: PMC8746698 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring (HBM) data provide information on total exposure regardless of the route and sources of exposure. HBM studies have been applied to quantify human exposure to contaminants and environmental/occupational pollutants by determining the parent compounds, their metabolites or even their reaction products in biological matrices. HBM studies performed among the Portuguese population are disperse and limited. To overcome this knowledge gap, this review gathers, for the first time, the published Portuguese HBM information concerning polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals, metalloids, and pesticides concentrations detected in the urine, serum, milk, hair, and nails of different groups of the Portuguese population. This integrative insight of available HBM data allows the analysis of the main determinants and patterns of exposure of the Portuguese population to these selected hazardous compounds, as well as assessment of the potential health risks. Identification of the main difficulties and challenges of HBM through analysis of the enrolled studies was also an aim. Ultimately, this study aimed to support national and European policies promoting human health and summarizes the most important outcomes and lessons learned through the HBM studies carried out in Portugal.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Firefighters are the professional force at high risk of suffering potential health consequences due to their chronic exposure to numerous hazardous pollutants during firefighting activities. Unfortunately, determination of fire emission exposure is very challenging. As such, the identification and development of appropriate biomarkers is critical in meeting this need. This chapter presents a critical review of current information related with the use of different urinary biomarkers of effect and exposure in occupationally exposed firefighters over the last 25 years. Evidence suggests that urinary isoprostanes and mutagenicity testing are promising biomarkers of early oxidative stress. Data indicate that firefighters participating in firefighting activities present with increased urinary biomarkers of exposure. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and metalloids, organo-chlorine and -phosphorus compounds, environmental phenols, phthalates, benzene and toluene. More studies are urgently needed to better evaluate firefighter occupational safety and health and to support the implementation of preventive measures and mitigation strategies to promote the protection of this chronically exposed group of workers.
Collapse
|
13
|
Ekpe OD, Sim W, Choi S, Choo G, Oh JE. Assessment of Exposure of Korean Firefighters to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons via Their Measurement in Serum and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Metabolites in Urine. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:14015-14025. [PMID: 34435767 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the occupational exposure of Korean firefighters to a suite of combustion-related pollutants. Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was assessed by measurement of their levels in serum and metabolites in urine (i.e., monohydroxylated PAHs, OH-PAHs). The mean level of ∑PBDEs in the serum of firefighters (17.1 ng/g lipid weight (lw)) was significantly higher than that of the general population (1.39 ng/g lw) (Mann-Whitney U Test, p < 0.05), which is similar to the ∑PAH levels (1286 ng/g lw for firefighters and 1016 ng/g lw for the general population). Individual OH-PAH levels showed 2.1- to 4.2-fold increases in postfire urine samples compared to the control urine samples, with the mean ∑OH-PAHs being significantly higher in postfire urine samples (22,658 ng/g creatinine) than in the control urine samples (10,253 ng/g creatinine) (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05). It was found that ∑PBDEs correlated with firefighters' length of service and years dedicated to on-site dispatch, while ∑OH-PAHs was strongly associated with firefighters' exposure duration, age, length of service, and years dedicated to on-site dispatch. Indeed, the results of the present study indicate that Korean firefighters are prone to elevated risk of exposure to toxic combustion-related pollutants compared with the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Okon Dominic Ekpe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonjin Sim
- Institute for Environment and Energy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Choi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyojin Choo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
- National Fishery Products Quality Management Service, Busan 51140, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Oh
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Grill Workers Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Levels and Excretion Profiles of the Urinary Biomarkers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010230. [PMID: 33396787 PMCID: PMC7796024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Grilling activities release large amounts of hazardous pollutants, but information on restaurant grill workers’ exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is almost inexistent. This study assessed the impact of grilling emissions on total workers’ exposure to PAHs by evaluating the concentrations of six urinary biomarkers of exposure (OHPAHs): naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, pyrene, and benzo(a)pyrene. Individual levels and excretion profiles of urinary OHPAHs were determined during working and nonworking periods. Urinary OHPAHs were quantified by high-performance liquid-chromatography with fluorescence detection. Levels of total OHPAHs (∑OHPAHs) were significantly increased (about nine times; p ≤ 0.001) during working comparatively with nonworking days. Urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene + 1-hydroxyacenapthene and 2-hydroxyfluorene presented the highest increments (ca. 23- and 6-fold increase, respectively), followed by 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (ca. 2.3 times) and 1-hydroxypyrene (ca. 1.8 times). Additionally, 1-hydroxypyrene levels were higher than the benchmark, 0.5 µmol/mol creatinine, in 5% of exposed workers. Moreover, 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, biomarker of exposure to carcinogenic PAHs, was detected in 13% of exposed workers. Individual excretion profiles showed a cumulative increase in ∑OHPAHs during consecutive working days. A principal component analysis model partially discriminated workers’ exposure during working and nonworking periods showing the impact of grilling activities. Urinary OHPAHs were increased in grill workers during working days.
Collapse
|
15
|
Oliveira M, Duarte S, Delerue-Matos C, Pena A, Morais S. Exposure of nursing mothers to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Levels of un-metabolized and metabolized compounds in breast milk, major sources of exposure and infants' health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115243. [PMID: 32702605 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, biomonitoring of nursing Portuguese mothers to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure and assessment of potential health risks of their infants were performed through determination of 18 PAHs and 6 major metabolites (OH-PAHs) in breast milk. Concentrations of total PAHs ranged between 55.2 and 1119 ng/g fat, being naphthalene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, and phenanthrene the most abundant compounds (68.4% of ∑PAHs). Benzo(a)pyrene, known carcinogenic, was not detected. Total levels of OH-PAHs ranged from 6.66 to 455 ng/g fat with 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 1-hydroxyacenaphthene as major compounds (96% of ∑OH-PAHs). Concentrations of ∑PAHs and ∑OH-PAHs were strongly correlated between each other (r = 0.692; p ≤ 0.001) and moderately-to-strongly associated with individual compounds (0.203 < r < 0.841; p ≤ 0.001). The attained data suggest increased levels of PAHs in older nursing mothers (>30 years) and in those whose child had lower weight (up to 3.0 kg). Breast-fed infant presented a median PAHs daily intake of 1.41 μg/kg body weight (total benzo(a)pyrene equivalents of 0.0679 μg/kg) and were exposed to 0.024 μg/kg body weight of ∑PAH4 [benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(j)fluoranthene, and chrysene]. Although breast milk is a secure food for newborns, un-metabolized and metabolized PAHs should be included in biomonitoring surveillance studies during breastfeeding to prevent potential health risks for infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Duarte
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Farmacognosia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Coimbra, Polo Das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes, Campus Universitário, Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Angelina Pena
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Laboratório de Bromatologia e Farmacognosia, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Coimbra, Polo Das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Internal exposure of firefighting instructors to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) during live fire training. Toxicol Lett 2020; 331:102-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
|
18
|
Jalili V, Barkhordari A, Ghiasvand A. Solid-phase microextraction technique for sampling and preconcentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: A review. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.104967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
19
|
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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Oliveira M, Costa S, Vaz J, Fernandes A, Slezakova K, Delerue-Matos C, Teixeira JP, Carmo Pereira M, Morais S. Firefighters exposure to fire emissions: Impact on levels of biomarkers of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and genotoxic/oxidative-effects. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 383:121179. [PMID: 31522064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters represent one of the riskiest occupations, yet due to the logistic reasons, the respective exposure assessment is one of the most challenging. Thus, this work assessed the impact of firefighting activities on levels of urinary monohydroxyl-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OHPAHs; 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 1-hydroxyacenaphthene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxypyrene, 3-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene) and genotoxic/oxidative-effect biomarkers (basal DNA and oxidative DNA damage) of firefighters from eight firehouses. Cardiac frequency, blood pressure and arterial oxygen saturation were also monitored. OHPAHs were determined by liquid-chromatography with fluorescence detection, while genotoxic/oxidative-effect biomarkers were assessed by the comet assay. Concentrations of total OHPAHs were up to 340% higher (p ≤ 0.05) in (non-smoking and smoking) exposed workers than in control subjects (non-smoking and non-exposed to combat activities); the highest increments were observed for 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 1-hydroxyacenaphthene (82-88% of ∑OHPAHs), and for 2-hydroxyfluorene (5-15%). Levels of biomarker for oxidative stress were increased in non-smoking exposed workers than in control group (316%; p ≤ 0.001); inconclusive results were found for DNA damage. Positive correlations were found between the cardiac frequency, ∑OHPAHs and the oxidative DNA damage of non-smoking (non-exposed and exposed) firefighters. Evidences were raised regarding the simultaneous use of these biomarkers for the surveillance of firefighters' health and to better estimate the potential short-term health risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal; LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Solange Costa
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, 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
| | - Josiana Vaz
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Adília Fernandes
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253, Bragança, Portugal
| | - Klara Slezakova
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal; LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department, 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
| | - Maria Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wingfors H, Nyholm JR, Magnusson R, Wijkmark CH. Impact of Fire Suit Ensembles on Firefighter PAH Exposures as Assessed by Skin Deposition and Urinary Biomarkers. Ann Work Expo Health 2019; 62:221-231. [PMID: 29236997 PMCID: PMC6788581 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 10 years, a number of safety measures for reducing firefighters’ exposure to combustion particles have been introduced in Sweden. The most important measure was the reduction in the time firefighters wear suits and handle contaminated equipment after turn-outs involving smoke diving. This study was divided into two parts, those being to investigate the level of protection obtained by multiple garment layers and to assess exposure during a standardized smoke diving exercise. First, realistic work protection factors (WPFs) were calculated by comparing air concentrations of the full suite of gaseous and particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) inside and outside structural ensembles, including jacket and thick base layer, during a tough fire extinguishing exercise using wood as the fuel. Second, during a standardized smoke diving exercise, exposure was assessed by measuring PAH skin deposition and levels of eight urinary PAH metabolites in 20 volunteer student firefighters before and after the exercise. The average WPF for the sum of 22 PAHs was 146 ± 33 suggesting a relatively high protective capacity but also indicating a substantial enrichment of contaminants with a risk of prolonged dermal exposure. Accordingly, in the second exercise, the median levels of skin-deposited Σ14-PAHs and urinary 1-hydroxypyrene significantly increased 5-fold (21 to 99 ng/wipe) and 8-fold (0.14 to 1.1 µmol mol−1 creatinine), respectively, post exposure. Among the PAH metabolites investigated, 1-hydroxypyrene proved to be the most useful indicator of exposure, with significantly elevated urinary levels at both 6 h and 20 h after the exercise and with the strongest correlation to dermal exposure. Metabolites from two-ring and three-ring PAHs were eliminated faster while levels of 3-hydroxy-benzo[a]pyrene did not meet the detection criteria. The results from correlation studies indicated that dermal uptake was a major route of exposure in accordance with previous findings. To summarize, this study shows that some of the newly adopted protective measures were correctly implemented, and should continue to be followed and be more widely adopted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Håkan Wingfors
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Sweden
| | | | - Roger Magnusson
- Swedish Defence Research Agency, Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Santos PM, del Nogal Sánchez M, Pavón JLP, Cordero BM. Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human biological samples: A critical review. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
24
|
Santos PM, del Nogal Sánchez M, Pérez Pavón JL, Cordero BM, Fernández RV. Liquid-liquid extraction-programmed temperature vaporizer-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in saliva samples. Application to the occupational exposure of firefighters. Talanta 2019; 192:69-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
25
|
Martín Santos P, del Nogal Sánchez M, Pérez Pavón JL, Moreno Cordero B. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urine samples using a non-separative method based on mass spectrometry. Talanta 2018; 181:373-379. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
26
|
Andersen MHG, Saber AT, Pedersen PB, Loft S, Hansen ÅM, Koponen IK, Pedersen JE, Ebbehøj N, Nørskov EC, Clausen PA, Garde AH, Vogel U, Møller P. Cardiovascular health effects following exposure of human volunteers during fire extinction exercises. Environ Health 2017; 16:96. [PMID: 28877717 PMCID: PMC5588677 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-017-0303-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters have increased risk of cardiovascular disease and of sudden death from coronary heart disease on duty while suppressing fires. This study investigated the effect of firefighting activities, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), on biomarkers of cardiovascular effects in young conscripts training to become firefighters. METHODS Healthy conscripts (n = 43) who participated in a rescue educational course for firefighting were enrolled in the study. The exposure period consisted of a three-day training course where the conscripts participated in various firefighting exercises in a constructed firehouse and flashover container. The subjects were instructed to extinguish fires of either wood or wood with electrical cords and mattresses. The exposure to particulate matter (PM) was assessed at various locations and personal exposure was assessed by portable PM samplers and urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene. Cardiovascular measurements included microvascular function and heart rate variability (HRV). RESULTS The subjects were primarily exposed to PM in bystander positions, whereas self-contained breathing apparatus effectively abolished pulmonary exposure. Firefighting training was associated with elevated urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene (105%, 95% CI: 52; 157%), increased body temperature, decreased microvascular function (-18%, 95% CI: -26; -9%) and altered HRV. There was no difference in cardiovascular measurements for the two types of fires. CONCLUSION Observations from this fire extinction training show that PM exposure mainly occurs in situations where firefighters removed the self-contained breathing apparatus. Altered cardiovascular disease endpoints after the firefighting exercise period were most likely due to complex effects from PM exposure, physical exhaustion and increased core body temperature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Helena Guerra Andersen
- Department of Public Health, Section of Environmental Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anne Thoustrup Saber
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Peter Bøgh Pedersen
- Danish Technological Institute, Teknologiparken, Kongsvang Allé 29, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Steffen Loft
- Department of Public Health, Section of Environmental Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Åse Marie Hansen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Ismo Kalevi Koponen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Julie Elbæk Pedersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400 Copenhagen, NV Denmark
| | - Niels Ebbehøj
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, DK-2400 Copenhagen, NV Denmark
| | - Eva-Carina Nørskov
- Danish Technological Institute, Teknologiparken, Kongsvang Allé 29, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Per Axel Clausen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anne Helene Garde
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section of Social Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Ulla Vogel
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkalle 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
- Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Peter Møller
- Department of Public Health, Section of Environmental Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5A, DK-1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Oliveira M, Slezakova K, Magalhães CP, Fernandes A, Teixeira JP, Delerue-Matos C, do Carmo Pereira M, Morais S. Individual and cumulative impacts of fire emissions and tobacco consumption on wildland firefighters' total exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2017; 334:10-20. [PMID: 28380396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
There is limited information about wildland firefighters' exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), being scarce studies that included the impact of tobacco consumption. Thus, this work evaluated the individual and cumulative impacts of firefighting activities and smoking on wildland firefighters' total exposure to PAHs. Six urinary PAH metabolites (1-hydroxynaphthalene (1OHNaph), 1-hydroxyacenaphthene (1OHAce), 2-hydroxyfluorene (2OHFlu), 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (1OHPhen), 1-hydroxypyrene (1OHPy), and 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3OHB[a]P)) were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Firefighters from three fire stations were characterized and organized in three groups: non-smoking and non-exposed to fire emissions (NSNExp), smoking non-exposed (SNExp), and smoking exposed (SExp) individuals. 1OHNaph+1OHAce were the most predominant OH-PAHs (66-91% ∑OH-PAHs), followed by 2OHFlu (2.8-28%), 1OHPhen (1.3-7%), and 1OHPy (1.4-6%). 3OHB[a]P, the carcinogenicity PAH biomarker, was not detected. Regular consumption of tobacco increased 76-412% ∑OH-PAHs. Fire combat activities promoted significant increments of 158-551% ∑OH-PAHs. 2OHFlu was the most affected compound by firefighting activities (111-1068%), while 1OHNaph+1OHAce presented the more pronounced increments due to tobacco consumption (22-339%); 1OHPhen (76-176%) and 1OHPy (20-220%) were the least influenced ones. OH-PAH levels of SExp firefighters were significantly higher than in other groups, suggesting that these subjects may be more vulnerable to develop and/or aggravate diseases related with PAHs exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Klara Slezakova
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Adília Fernandes
- Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Pública, Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal; Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Delerue-Matos
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira
- LEPABE, Departamento de Engenharia Química, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abreu A, Costa C, Pinho E Silva S, Morais S, do Carmo Pereira M, Fernandes A, Moraes de Andrade V, Teixeira JP, Costa S. Wood smoke exposure of Portuguese wildland firefighters: DNA and oxidative damage evaluation. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:596-604. [PMID: 28524757 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1286896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Portugal is among the European Union countries most devastated by forest fires each year. In the last three decades, more than 3.8 million hectares of forest were burned. Wildland firefighters are exposed to a variety of hazards, including many toxic combustion products that may lead to deleterious health effects. Epidemiological studies showed a positive association between firefighting and several chronic diseases, including cancer. Results from biomonitoring studies in firefighters, particularly concerning genotoxicity evaluation, constitute a valuable tool for investigating important occupational hazards. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess genotoxicity in a group of wildland firefighters using the comet assay for DNA damage and oxidative stress. Both parameters were increased in firefighters compared to controls, but significance was only found for basal DNA damage. No significant influence was found regarding major confounding variables on the genotoxic endpoints studied, with the exception of age. Data obtained provide preliminary information on human health effects of wildland firefighting exposure at genetic and molecular levels. These findings may also provide new important data to serve as public awareness to the potential adverse health risks involving wildland firefighting. Implementation of security and hygiene measures in this sector as well as good practices campaigns may be crucial to decrease risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Abreu
- a EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
- b Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department , Porto , Portugal
| | - Carla Costa
- a EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
- b Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department , Porto , Portugal
| | - Susana Pinho E Silva
- b Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department , Porto , Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- c REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Instituto Politécnico do Porto Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida , Porto , Portugal
| | - Maria do Carmo Pereira
- d LEPABE, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto Rua Dr. Roberto Frias , Porto , Portugal
| | - Adília Fernandes
- e Escola Superior de Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Avenida D. Afonso V , Bragança , Portugal
| | - Vanessa Moraes de Andrade
- f Laboatory of Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Programme of Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, UNESC , Santa Catarina , Brazil
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- a EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
- b Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department , Porto , Portugal
| | - Solange Costa
- a EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto , Porto , Portugal
- b Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Environmental Health Department , Porto , Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Urbancova K, Lankova D, Rossner P, Rossnerova A, Svecova V, Tomaniova M, Veleminsky M, Sram RJ, Hajslova J, Pulkrabova J. Evaluation of 11 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites in urine of Czech mothers and newborns. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 577:S0048-9697(16)32353-1. [PMID: 28029453 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a large group of ubiquitous contaminants of the environment, including food chain where they are released as by-products of incomplete combustion of an organic matter. Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to PAHs correlated with increased incidence of cancer. Carcinogenicity is associated mainly with metabolites that are formed during metabolic degradation of these substances in exposed organism. In this study monohydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs), the major metabolites excreted into urine, were determined in 531 urine samples collected from mothers and their newborns from two localities of the Czech Republic - heavily air polluted Karvina and control locality of Ceske Budejovice and in two sampling rounds - August-October 2013 (summer, less air polluted season) and January-April 2014 (winter, more air polluted season). From all targeted analytes, naphthalene-2-ol was the most abundant compound present in 100% of the samples and it represented also the analyte with the highest concentration. Median concentration of ΣOH-PAHs in the urine of children was on average 1.6 times lower compared to the respective mother which correlates with higher intake of PAHs by mothers. ΣOH-PAHs concentrations determined in mothers' urine collected in the summer were comparable in both localities. No significant increase occurred in Ceske Budejovice in winter, while in samples from the Karvina region a statistically significant difference (α=0.05) in the amount of ΣOH-PAHs was observed. The median concentrations of ΣOH-PAHs in mothers' urine samples in the winter were 1.5 times higher than in the summer in the same locality. The amounts of ΣOH-PAHs in newborns' urine from Karvina in the winter season were 1.5 times higher than in the summer collected in the same locality and 3.3 times higher when compared with the less polluted locality of Ceske Budejovice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Urbancova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Lankova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Rossner
- Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Rossnerova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Vlasta Svecova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Tomaniova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milos Veleminsky
- Faculty of Health and Social Studies, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Radim J Sram
- Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hajslova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Pulkrabova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|