Evaluating Endocrine Disruption Activity of Deposits on Firefighting Gear Using a Sensitive and High Throughput Screening Method

Abstract

Objective Adverse health outcomes related to exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including increased incidences of coronary heart disease, prostate and testicular cancers, and birth defects have been reported in firefighters or their offspring. We, therefore, measured the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity of extracts of used firefighter gear to assess exposure to these agents. Methods Extracts and known chemical contaminants were examined for estrogenicity and antiestrogenicity in yeast cells expressing the estrogen receptor. Results Most extracts of used gear, and phthalate diesters detectable on this gear displayed strong antiestrogenic effects. Notably, new glove and hood extracts showed significant estrogenic activity. Conclusions Overall, our data suggest that firefighters are exposed to both estrogenic and antiestrogenic agents, possibly phthalates that may lead to health risks observed in this occupation as a result of perturbation of hormone homeostasis.

Occupational Hazards and Risks Associated with Phthalates among Slovakian Firefighters

“…In 2014, phthalate diesters as major contaminants of soiled firefighter gear have been studied [24,25]. Stevenson et al [25] in their study also claim that new glove and hood extracts made from materials containing phthalates used by firefighters showed that significant estrogenic activity resulted in perturbation of hormone homeostasis.…”

“…In 2014, phthalate diesters as major contaminants of soiled firefighter gear have been studied [24,25]. Stevenson et al [25] in their study also claim that new glove and hood extracts made from materials containing phthalates used by firefighters showed that significant estrogenic activity resulted in perturbation of hormone homeostasis. Phthalates contained in firefighters' gear (either during production or during burning) are a worrying finding because phthalates are lipophilic, and the extreme heat helps phthalates enter through the skin and could modify their health.…”

“…Phthalate diesters make up a class of chemicals identified as a frequent contaminant of firefighter gear [24]. The study of Stevenson et al [25] reported that firefighters are exposed to high levels of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) that come from protective clothing, suggesting that firefighters are exposed to both estrogenic and antiestrogenic agents, possibly phthalates that may lead to health risks observed in this occupation as a result of perturbation of hormone homeostasis. Personal exposure of workers to air pollutants can be evaluated using biological monitoring techniques.…”

Testosterone and occupational burnout in professional male firefighters

“…There is only one report of the association of borderline-low testosterone with low left ventricular thickness from the annual screening data [ 10 ]. Other authors studied the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activity of the deposits on firefighters gear [ 11 ]. Serious lack of studies of testosterone levels in firefighters does not allow to understand how testosterone levels can affect burnout and how that can be used for screening and proper work placement.…”

Symptoms related to new flight attendant uniforms

“…Besides metals and dyes, important clothing contaminants are formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, dioxin, perfluorinated compounds, flame retardants, phthalates and other plasticizers such as diisodecyclmaleate, and pesticides used in shipment [27][28][29][30]. These and other chemicals have been associated with serious health consequences in laboratory and epidemiologic studies [31,32].…”