Plasma catecholamine levels and neurobehavioral problems in Indian firefighters
Manas R Ray1, Chandreyi Basu, Sanghita Roychoudhury
1Experimental Hematology Unit, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India. manasrray@rediffmail.com
Journal of Occupational Health
|June 22, 2006
Summary
Firefighting elevates stress and exposure to harmful chemicals. This study found firefighters have higher neurobehavioral symptoms and increased plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels, indicating sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Neuroendocrinology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Firefighting is a high-stress occupation with significant exposure to occupational stressors and toxic smoke.
- Understanding the impact of firefighting on firefighter health is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between firefighting and neuroendocrine responses.
- To determine the prevalence of neurobehavioral symptoms in firefighters compared to controls.
Main Methods:
- Plasma catecholamine (epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine) levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.
- Neurobehavioral symptoms were assessed via questionnaires and interviews in 62 male firefighters and 52 age/sex-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Firefighters reported higher prevalences of symptoms including burning extremities, tingling, numbness, memory loss, and depression.
- Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were more than doubled in firefighters compared to controls.
- Firefighting was associated with elevated epinephrine and norepinephrine, even after controlling for age and smoking.
Conclusions:
- The firefighting profession is linked to heightened sympathetic nervous system activity.
- Firefighting is associated with an increased prevalence of specific neurobehavioral symptoms.
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