Decreased Pulmonary Function Over 5 Years in US Firefighters.

Kevin C Mathias1, Elliot Graham, Donald Stewart

  • 1Department of Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York (Dr Mathias, Mr Graham, Dr Smith); Public Safety Occupational Health Center, Fairfax, Virginia (Dr Stewart); and Illinois Fire Service Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois (Dr Smith).

Summary

US firefighters experienced significant declines in lung function over five years. Their observed pulmonary damage was two to four times greater than expected, highlighting the need for better respiratory protection.

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