Use Of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus Research Articles

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons assessed by biomonitoring of firefighters during fire operations in Germany.

Firefighters are exposed to a variety of hazardous substances including carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) during firefighting. In order to minimize the uptake of such substances into the body, firefighters wear personal protective equipment. Only few data exist from real-life firefighting missions and under common although highly variable exposure scenarios such as fighting fires in residential buildings, outdoor, and vehicle fires. The aim of this study is to assess the levels of 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) as marker for incorporated PAH during firefighting operations in Germany using biomonitoring methods. We analyzed urine samples for 1-OHP from 77 firefighters who reported firefighting operations (with and without creatinine adjustment). Urine samples were collected before (baseline) and, where applicable, after firefighting operations at three time points subsequent (2-4, 6-8, and 12h). Compared to the baseline measurements, mean 1-OHP concentrations after firefighting missions were doubled (0.14 vs. 0.31μg/L urine, 0.13μg/g vs. 0.27μg/g creatinine) and this increase was observed 2-4h after firefighting. Firefighting in residential buildings (N=54) and of outdoor and vehicle fires (N=17) occurred most frequently, whereas blazes, vegetation fires, and fires in underground facilities (N=6) were rarely encountered. For residential building fires, a 3-fold increase in mean 1-OPH concentrations was observed, whereas no increase could be observed for outdoor and vehicle fires. The highest increase was observed for firefighters with interior attack missions (0.11μg/L vs. 0.48μg/L 1-OHP) despite the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). During the suppression of outdoor or vehicle fires using SCBA, again, no increase was observed. Although PAH are taken up during certain firefighting missions, the 1-OHP levels almost entirely remained (in 64 of the 77 reported missions) within the normal range of the German general population, i.e., below the reference levels (95th percentiles) of smokers (0.73μg/g creatinine) and non-smokers (0.30μg/g creatine). Under study conditions, properly applied protective clothing and wearing of SCBA led to a significant reduction of PAH exposure levels. But there are individual situations in which PAH are increasingly incorporated since the incorporation depends on several factors and can be extremely variable. In contrast to many workplaces with high occupational exposure levels, firefighters are not exposed to PAH on a daily basis. Nevertheless, the possibility of an individual increased cancer risk for a particular firefighter cannot completely be ruled out.

Firefighters' urinary concentrations of VOC metabolites after controlled-residential and training fire responses.

Firefighters are exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during structural fire responses and training fires, several of which (e.g., benzene, acrolein, styrene) are known or probable carcinogens. Exposure studies have found that firefighters can absorb chemicals like benzene even when self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are worn, suggesting that dermal absorption contributes to potentially harmful exposures. However, few studies have characterized VOC metabolites in urine from firefighters. We quantified VOC metabolites in firefighters' urine following live firefighting activity across two field studies. In two separate controlled field studies, spot urine was collected before and 3h after firefighters and firefighter students responded to simulated residential and training fires. Urine was also collected from instructors from the training fire study before the first and 3h after the last training scenario for each day (instructors led three training scenarios per day). Samples were analyzed for metabolites of VOCs to which firefighters may be exposed. In the residential fire study, urinary metabolites of xylenes (2MHA), toluene (BzMA), and styrene (MADA) increased significantly (at 0.05 level) from pre- to post-fire. In the training fire study, MADA concentrations increased significantly from pre- to post-fire for both firefighter students and instructors. Urinary concentrations of benzene metabolites (MUCA and PhMA) increased significantly from pre- to post-fire for instructors, while metabolites of xylenes (3MHA+4MHA) and acrolein (3HPMA) increased significantly for firefighter students. The two highest MUCA concentrations measured post-shift from instructors exceeded the BEI of 500μg/g creatinine. Some of the metabolites that were significantly elevated post-fire are known or probable human carcinogens (benzene, styrene, acrolein); thus, exposure to these compounds should be eliminated or reduced as much as possible through the hierarchy of controls. Given stringent use of SCBA, it appears that dermal exposure contributes in part to the levels measured here.

Evaluation of Interventions to Reduce Firefighter Exposures

Objective:Evaluate the effectiveness of firefighter exposure reduction interventions.Methods:Fireground interventions included use of self-contained breathing apparatus by engineers, entry team wash down, contaminated equipment isolation, and personnel showering and washing of gear upon return to station. Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites (PAH-OHs) were measured after structural fire responses before and after intervention implementation. Separately, infrared sauna use following live-fire training was compared to standard postfire care in a randomized trial.Results:The fireground interventions significantly reduced mean total urinary postfire PAH-OHs in engineers (−40.4%, 95%CI −63.9%, −2.3%) and firefighters (−36.2%, 95%CI −56.7%, −6.0%) but not captains (−11.3% 95%CI −39.4%, 29.9%). Sauna treatment non-significantly reduced total mean PAH-OHs by −43.5% (95%CI −68.8%, 2.2%).Conclusions:The selected fireground interventions reduced urinary PAH-OHs in engineers and firefighters. Further evaluation of infrared sauna treatment is needed.

Serum pneumoproteins in firefighters

Serum Clara cell protein (CC16) and surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A) were measured in a cross-sectional study in 402 firefighters. For the population as a whole, no associations were detected between serum pneumoproteins and smoke exposure. SP-A levels were increased in symptomatic subjects exposed to fire smoke within 2 days before testing. SP-A levels were higher after an inhalation incident ever. CC16 was negatively associated with the number of fires fought in the last 12 months in current nonsmokers. These associations between pneumoprotein levels reiterate the importance of adequate use of self-contained breathing apparatus by firefighters.

Respiratory symptoms in firefighters

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms in common firefighters in the Netherlands. A total of 1,330 firefighters from the municipal fire brigades of three provinces of the Netherlands were included in the study. All subjects were administered a Dutch web-based version of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire. General respiratory symptoms were associated with the number of fires fought in the last 12 months with odds ratios between 1.2 (95% CI 1.0-1.4) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.2-1.7) per 25 fires. A strong association was found between an inhalation incident and present respiratory symptoms with odds ratios between 1.7 (95% CI 1.1-2.7) and 3.0 (95% CI 1.9-4.7). Adjustments for smoking, sex, atopy, and age did not change any of the associations. After stratification, atopics showed elevated odds ratios. It is recommended that firefighters are aware of these elevated healthcare risks associated with exposure to fire smoke and that they increase as much as possible the use of self-contained breathing apparatus.

Respiratory Exposure Study for Fire Fighters and Other Emergency Responders

This study provides a literature review of prior research on respiratory exposure for fire fighters and other emergency responders, and includes an information collection effort that provides a summary review of field measurement technology and selected fire department Standard Operating Procedures and Standard Operating Guidelines (SOPs/SOGs) relating to respiratory exposure. The purpose of this study is to raise awareness on the need for emergency responder respiratory protection, promote and support specific fire service respiratory exposure related research, and to help develop best practice fire service guidance for determining when to use and discontinue use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and other respiratory protective equipment. The applications of primary focus include atmospheres that are possibly hazardous yet tenable, such as during overhaul operations, fighting outdoor fires, or limited exposure situations.

An evaluation of physiological demands and comfort between the use of conventional and lightweight self-contained breathing apparatus

The additional physiological strain associated with the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is mostly linked to the additional weight. Lightweight and conventional SCBA were assessed in a submaximal step test performed in full firekit (total weights 15 and 27 kg, respectively). Factors assessed were: comparative energy expenditure of the two sets, relationship between comparative energy expenditure and aerobic fitness and subjective discomfort. Measured variables were: oxygen consumption, heart rate, estimated VO 2max and subjective discomfort (body part discomfort scale). The lightweight SCBA displayed a significant oxygen consumption benefit, which was independent of dynamic workrate and valued at 0.256 l min −1. Mean heart rate responses were significantly lower with the light set. No relationship was found between comparative energy expenditure and aerobic fitness. The light set was rated as significantly more comfortable than the heavy. Further research is required to assess the extent of the energy consumption benefit in realistic fire suppression protocols and the contribution of ergonomic factors to the energy and comfort benefits.

Proper asbestos abatement techniques and respirator selection

Abstract The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have recently recommended the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or air-line respirators for worker protection from occupational exposure to airborne asbestos (EPA-560-OPTS-86–001). In light of the low level of worker exposure to airborne asbestos when proper asbestos abatement techniques are implemented, we argue that the high level of protection afforded by SCBA and air-line respirators is unnecessary. We present evidence of low levels of airborne asbestos during the abatement of pipe lagging, fireproofing, and sprayed-on acoustical material. We have monitored seven of our most recent projects involving the preceding asbestos-containing materials and a total of 154 worker breathing zone samples were analyzed by phase contrast microscopy. The mean fiber concentration for any particular job did not exceed 0.2 fibers/cc (time-weighted average [TWA]). We maintain that the air...

Behavioral Effects of Multiple Scba Stressors: Safety Research for Recommending Federal Standards

This paper reports the effects of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) stressors and work intensity on mental functioning and reported clinical symptoms. A methodology involving maximal exertion treadmill running (simulation of an emergency-like escape from an underground mine following a disaster) was used in addressing specific issues relevant to the development of safe emergency procedures where the use of SCBAs is warranted.

Physiological Response to Breathing Hot Air

The following investigation was made, at the request of the Mine Rescue Research Committee of the Safety in Mines Research Board, as to the upper limit of temperature at which air can be breathed without distress under various conditions. During the use of self-contained breathing apparatus in rescue work, the air circulating in the apparatus becomes heated and saturated with moisture, and the question arises of the limiting temperature of inspired air that a man can tolerate while resting and while doing work, and which is therefore permissible for an apparatus.