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Pulmonary function in Sardinian fire fighters

A Serra1, F Mocci, F S Randaccio

  • 1Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy.

American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|July 1, 1996
PubMed
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Forest firefighters experienced reduced respiratory function, specifically in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio, compared to controls. This indicates potential long-term respiratory risks from firefighting activities.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Firefighting, particularly in forests, involves exposure to inhalable toxins, posing a risk to respiratory health.
  • Previous literature highlights the nature and quantity of toxins present in such environments.
  • Understanding the specific impact on firefighters' respiratory function is crucial for occupational safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine and compare the respiratory function of forest firefighters with a control group.
  • To identify potential adverse effects of firefighting activities on lung capacity and airflow.
  • To assess the permeability of the alveolar-capillary barrier in firefighters.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 92 forest firefighters and 51 Carabinieri (police officers) as controls.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Participants completed questionnaires regarding work activities.
  • Respiratory function tests measured forced expiratory volume and flow (FEV1, FEF75, FEF50, FEF25), total lung capacity, respiratory volume, and alveolar-capillary barrier permeability.

    • Main Results:

    • Both groups exceeded European Community for Coal and Steel standards for forced vital capacity (FVC).
    • Firefighters showed significant reductions in FEV1, FEF75, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF50, and FEF25 compared to controls.
    • No significant differences were observed in air-blood exchange or correlations between respiratory function and years of service or fires extinguished.

    Conclusions:

    • Forest firefighting activities are associated with significant reductions in key respiratory function parameters.
    • The observed changes in expiratory flow rates suggest potential airway obstruction or impairment.
    • Further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences and develop protective strategies for firefighters.