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Systemic exposure to PAHs and benzene in firefighters suppressing controlled structure fires
Kenneth W Fent1, Judith Eisenberg2, John Snawder3
11.Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA kfent@cdc.gov.
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|June 8, 2014
Summary
Firefighter turnout gear may not fully prevent dermal absorption of harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Exposure occurred through the skin, especially the neck, highlighting risks during firefighting and gear doffing.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Firefighter turnout gear is crucial for protection against dermal contaminants.
- The effectiveness of turnout gear in preventing systemic absorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dermal contribution to systemic PAH exposure in firefighters during controlled structure burns.
- To assess the absorption of PAHs and other aromatic hydrocarbons through the skin during firefighting operations.
Main Methods:
- Controlled burns with firefighters wearing standardized turnout gear.
- Collection of biological specimens (urine, breath) and external samples (air, skin wipes) before and after burns.
- Analysis of PAHs and benzene metabolites using advanced analytical techniques (ELISA, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS).
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated post-exposure breath concentrations of benzene were observed.
- Elevated post-exposure levels of PAHs were found on firefighters' necks.
- Positive correlations were identified between external PAH exposure and internal biomarker levels.
Conclusions:
- Firefighters absorb combustion products, likely through skin exposure, despite wearing protective gear.
- The neck area represents a significant site for dermal absorption due to less protected areas like hoods.
- Aromatic hydrocarbons may be absorbed dermally or inhaled during gear removal due to off-gassing.
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