Carbon monoxide: a hazard to fire fighters

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Firefighters are regularly exposed to combustion byproducts.
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a primary toxic gas produced during fires.
• Understanding CO exposure levels is crucial for firefighter safety and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify carbon monoxide (CO) exposure levels experienced by firefighters during structural fires.
• To identify factors influencing CO concentrations in fire environments.
• To assess the potential health risks associated with firefighter CO exposure.

Main Methods:

• Carbon monoxide levels were measured in 25 fires in Los Angeles.
• CO concentrations were recorded during active firefighting operations.
• Observations included smoke density and location of highest CO levels.

Main Results:

• CO levels varied significantly, with some fires reaching up to 3,000 ppm.
• Elevated CO levels ( > 100 ppm) often correlated with heavy, noxious smoke.
• In two-story structures, the second floor showed the highest CO concentrations, persisting even after the fire was suppressed.

Conclusions:

• Firefighters are exposed to hazardous levels of carbon monoxide during fire incidents.
• CO exposure may be a contributing factor to the elevated rates of heart disease observed in the firefighting profession.
• Further research and protective measures are warranted to mitigate CO risks for firefighters.