Rapid bioanalytical screening for the assessment of internalized exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in clinical samples of Florida Firefighters

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic byproducts of combustion and ubiquitous environmental pollutants which can cause carcinogenesis. Firefighters are routinely exposed to these contaminants and numerous studies have described a high incidence of various cancer types in firefighters compared to the general population. Our aim was to develop a streamlined process that allows accurate quantitative evaluation of PAH exposure in clinical samples collected from Florida Firefighters. METHODS: Urine samples were collected from twenty-five (25) active firefighters stationed in Florida at the beginning and end of a 24-hour shift, and twenty-one (21) new recruits after the completion of different fire trainings. We developed a rapid, non-invasive method to assess their internalized exposure to PAHs as part of the Firefighter Cancer Initiative (FCI). The use of automated extraction systems and Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry enabled the accurate, qualitative, and quantitative detection of PAHs identified as priority pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. RESULTS: Total PAH exposure levels of the 25 active firefighters were significantly higher after the completion of the 24-hour shift, with those that answered fire-related calls, rather than EMS calls, exhibiting the highest concentrations of individual and gross PAHs. Similarly, total internalized exposure was increased in firefighter trainees compared to controls. We observed that participation in a Class B fire training, which involves flammable liquid materials, is associated with higher exposure to PAHs compared to participation in Class A exercises that employ ordinary combustible materials. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showcase the unsafe levels of carcinogen exposure faced routinely by firefighters, highlighting the need for further investigation of the link between occupational exposure and health-related effects. The novel biomonitoring tool we developed facilitates large-scale screening of clinical samples and can be used for real-time assessment of carcinogen exposure. KEYWORDS: PAHs, exposure assessment, firefighters, biomonitoring, occupational exposure