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Assessment of Respiratory Health Among Volunteers Involved in Search and Rescue Operations During a Severe Earthquake
Peri Meram Arbak1, Ege Gulec Balbay, Pinar Yidiz Gulhan
1From the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, Düzce University, Düzce, Türkiye (P.M.A., E.G.B., P.Y.G., O.B., A.N.A.); Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye (H.B.); and Department of Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye (H.B.).
Search and rescue workers in earthquake zones may experience reduced lung function. Pulmonary function tests revealed significant decreases in airflow and gas exchange, indicating potential respiratory impairments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental medicine
- Occupational health
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Severe earthquakes create hazardous environments with potential respiratory risks.
- Search and rescue (SAR) personnel face unique occupational exposures during disaster response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pulmonary function changes in SAR and logistical personnel after a severe earthquake.
- To compare respiratory health outcomes between SAR teams and other assigned personnel.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary function tests were administered to 287 individuals.
- Measurements were taken within 45 days and again after 3 months post-deployment.
- Key metrics included FEV1/FVC, MMFR, and DLCO.
Main Results:
- SAR workers showed significantly lower FEV1/FVC and MMFR compared to other groups (p < 0.001).
- Carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) significantly decreased in personnel after working in the earthquake zone.
- These impairments were evident in both absolute values and % predicted values.
Conclusions:
- Environmental conditions in earthquake zones can lead to significant respiratory impairments.
- SAR workers are particularly susceptible to reduced pulmonary function.
- Long-term monitoring of respiratory health in disaster response personnel is warranted.
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