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Assessment of Volatile Compound Transference through Firefighter Turnout Gear
María José Aliaño-González1, Gemma Montalvo2,3, Carmen García-Ruiz2,3
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), University of Cadiz, The Wine and Food Research Institute IVAGRO, Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain.
Summary
Firefighter turnout gear contamination was assessed using headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). This method can determine if gear is free of volatile compounds, ensuring safety before the next fire intervention.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Occupational Health and Safety
Background:
- Firefighters face significant exposure to toxic combustion products.
- Current turnout gear offers limited protection against chemical agents.
- Effective decontamination of personal protective equipment is a persistent challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) as a screening method.
- To assess the transference of volatile compounds through firefighter turnout gear.
- To develop a method for determining gear contamination levels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS).
- Employed chemometric techniques including cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and linear discriminant analysis.
- Directly analyzed firefighter turnout gear exposed to different fire scenes.
Main Results:
- Generated distinct spectral fingerprints for exposed and non-exposed turnout gear.
- Demonstrated that contamination levels vary based on fire loading (combustion materials).
- Confirmed the ability to identify turnout gear free from volatile compounds.
Conclusions:
- HS-GC-IMS is a feasible screening technique for turnout gear.
- The method can verify the absence of volatile contaminants.
- This approach can ensure turnout gear quality prior to fire interventions.
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