Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the aerosol...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Association between perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and response to the COVID-19 vaccine in a paediatric prospective observational cohort in Arizona.

BMJ paediatrics open·2026

Same author

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Exposure Profiles and Their Predictors in a Study of US Volunteer Firefighters.

American journal of industrial medicine·2026

Same author

Climate Change and Environmental Exposures Across the Cancer Continuum: Implications for Oncology.

American Society of Clinical Oncology educational book. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Annual Meeting·2026

Same author

"Left Out at the Kitchen Table": Exploring Peer Support Needs Among Women Firefighters.

American journal of industrial medicine·2026

Same author

Unveiling post-vaccination proteomic signatures in SARS-CoV-2 infection-naïve individuals associated with Omicron breakthrough infections.

PloS one·2026

Same author

Association between parental firefighting status and adverse birth outcomes in Arizona: a cross-sectional study.

Occupational and environmental medicine·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Research and Development of High-performance Explosives

Research and Development of High-performance Explosives

Published on: February 20, 2016

Method development study for APR cartridge evaluation in fire overhaul exposures.

T Renée Anthony¹, Philip Joggerst, Leonard James

¹Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295 North Martin Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85723-5210, USA. tra@email.arizona.edu

The Annals of Occupational Hygiene

|November 9, 2007

Summary

Firefighter respirator cartridges show limited effectiveness against smoke during overhaul. While some irritants are filtered, formaldehyde and acetaldehyde can still pose risks, especially under stricter exposure limits.

More Related Videos

A Method for Studying the Temperature Dependence of Dynamic Fracture and Fragmentation

A Method for Studying the Temperature Dependence of Dynamic Fracture and Fragmentation

Published on: June 28, 2015

Laboratory Scale Slow Cook-Off Testing of Rocket Propellants: The Combustion Rate Analysis of a Slowly Heated Propellant (CRASH-P) Test

Laboratory Scale Slow Cook-Off Testing of Rocket Propellants: The Combustion Rate Analysis of a Slowly Heated Propellant (CRASH-P) Test

Published on: February 6, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Research and Development of High-performance Explosives

Research and Development of High-performance Explosives

Published on: February 20, 2016

A Method for Studying the Temperature Dependence of Dynamic Fracture and Fragmentation

A Method for Studying the Temperature Dependence of Dynamic Fracture and Fragmentation

Published on: June 28, 2015

Laboratory Scale Slow Cook-Off Testing of Rocket Propellants: The Combustion Rate Analysis of a Slowly Heated Propellant (CRASH-P) Test

Laboratory Scale Slow Cook-Off Testing of Rocket Propellants: The Combustion Rate Analysis of a Slowly Heated Propellant (CRASH-P) Test

Published on: February 6, 2021

Area of Science:

Occupational Health and Safety
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering

Background:

Firefighters often forgo respiratory protection during overhaul, despite proposed solutions like multi-gas cartridges.
Residential fire smoke contains numerous hazardous contaminants, posing significant inhalation risks.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and validate a method for assessing respirator cartridge effectiveness against residential fire overhaul smoke.
To quantify firefighter exposure to specific contaminants during overhaul activities.

Main Methods:

Chamber tests were conducted to measure 91 contaminants and particulates in smoke.
Respirator cartridge penetration was analyzed for various chemical and particulate agents.
An exposure index was calculated to assess aggregate respiratory irritant risk.

Main Results:

Respirator cartridges detected some penetrating compounds, though styrene, benzene, acrolein, and particulates were not found in limited tests.
Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were primary contributors to the irritant index in filtered air.
Cartridge effectiveness varied, failing to meet the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Recommended Exposure Limit (NIOSH REL) for formaldehyde in some cases.

Conclusions:

Current respirator cartridges may not adequately protect firefighters from aggregate respiratory irritants in overhaul smoke, particularly concerning formaldehyde.
The developed testing method provides a framework for future evaluations, recommending specific contaminants and additional irritant gases.
Further research is needed to fully assess the efficacy of air-purifying respirators against the complex mixture of overhaul smoke constituents.