Epidemiological study of Moya-Moya disease in Taiwan

HETA 99-0062-2804, Newark Fire Department, Newark, New Jersey.

“…The evaluations at the university-based hospital were consistent with recommendations and guidelines on medical evaluation of fire fighters after exposure to toxic substances and smoke. 5,6,7,8,9,10,15,34 However, from our interviews and review of the medical records, it appears that the differences in the medical evaluations did not result in worse clinical outcomes among the fire fighters receiving fewer tests. Thus, it is likely that most fire fighters did not receive sufficient doses of the toxins to cause significant pulmonary or systemic health effects; however, this information was not known at the time of the hospital evaluations.…”

“…Inadequate respiratory protection at the fire scene is an important risk factor in the development of toxicity from smoke inhalation. 34 One study reported that 70% of fire fighters remove their mask at some time during knockdown and that as many as 30% wear their masks less than half the time. 35 A fire fighter's complete turnout gear typically worn during a fire incident consists of a helmet, hood, turnout coat, turnout pants, boots, gloves, and a SCBA with a personnel alert safety system (PASS) device.…”