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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).
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.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Firefighting involves exposure to hazardous substances that can impact respiratory health.
- Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding the chronic effects of occupational exposures on lung function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in pulmonary function among US firefighters over a 5-year period.
- To compare observed lung function decline with expected age-related changes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized spirometry data from 662 career firefighters in Virginia (2009-2016).
- Estimated predicted and expected 5-year changes in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC using NHANES III reference equations.
- Employed paired t-tests to analyze observed versus expected changes in lung function.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were observed (P < 0.001).
- Observed declines in FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC were 2-4 times greater than expected over the 5-year period (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- US firefighters experience accelerated pulmonary function decline compared to expected rates.
- Enhanced respiratory protection measures are essential to mitigate lung damage in firefighters.
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