Use of undergloves to assess pathways leading to contamination on firefighters' hands

Firefighters (FFs) are occupationally exposed to many carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Previous studies have evaluated PAH contamination on FFs' personal protective equipment (PPE), including fire gloves; however, there is a need to better understand PAH contamination that may break through fire gloves during active firefighting, donning, and doffing of PPE. Researchers in this study aimed to understand the potential contamination of FFs' hands during firefighting activities. A pilot study was conducted with 23 FFs, asking them to wear up to 3 separate sets of newly opened cotton undergloves during (1) donning, (2) simulated firefighting activities conducted in a smoky environment, and (3) doffing activities (donning and firefighting were combined for some samples). Samples were taken from the palm, index finger, and thumb areas of the cotton gloves and analyzed for PAHs. Overall, it was found that fire gloves were relatively effective at minimizing PAH exposure on the hands (undergloves) during active firefighting operations, though some PAH contamination was still present. PAH contamination was highest during the doffing of PPE and was significantly higher on the thumb and finger relative to the palm (p values < 0.05). PAH contamination was found in the cotton gloves during donning, even though FFs' self-contained breathing apparatuses were cleaned and the turnout gear was previously laundered, using commercial extractors. Future research could explore the potential for contaminated, decontaminated, and/or laundered gear to present contamination risks to fire personnel and investigate the use of undergloves as additional protection for FFs' skin.