Evaluation of the Effect of an Exhaust Reduction System in Fire Stations

Abstract

Firefighters are known to be exposed to a variety of hazardous materials and combustion products during operational and training activities, as well as in fire stations. However, exposure to diesel exhaust emissions, classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is also present in the fire station environment. In this study, concentrations of elemental carbon (EC), which is a surrogate of diesel exhaust and indoor air pollutants, has been measured to compare the effect of an exhaust reduction system (ERS) that was installed in the engine bays of two fire stations to mitigate indoor air pollution levels in the garage, duty offices, and dormitory/shower areas. The levels of most pollutants were reduced after the installation of the ERS. Pollutants may disperse inside of fire stations. Therefore, the ERS is a valuable strategy to mitigate pollutant exposure among firefighters and outdoor air pollution using the filtration ability of an ERS. The results of this study suggest that all truck bays should install an ERS to reduce pollutant exposure and that installation is especially necessary for EURO 3 fire vehicles.

Characteristics of Hazardous Substances Extracted from Laundry Water for Fire Protection Suit Exposed to Fire

“…As a result, it was confirmed that, out of 11 evaluation items, carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compounds, sulfuric acid, and formaldehyde 4 exceeded domestic and foreign standards [21]. In addition, the smoke reduction device installed in the garage of the fire department reduced various harmful substances, including elemental carbon and fine dust [23]. This means that chemically harmful factors generated at the fire scene are entering the fire department through the medium of firefighters and fire fighting vehicles that were active at the fire scene.…”

Associations between Awareness of the Risk of Exposure to Pollutants Occurring at Fire Scenes and Health Beliefs among Metropolitan Firefighters in the Republic of Korea

“…Toxic substances such as benzo[a]pyrene (PAH), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (HCHO), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are generated at a fire scene. In addition, toxic substances such as 1,3-butadiene, benzene, toluene, xylene, HCHO, hydrogen chloride, HCN, ammonia, CO, and nitric acid are generated during live fire training for the purpose of educating firefighters [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Consequently, firefighters are constantly and repeatedly exposed to all these environments.…”

Diagnóstico de salud y seguridad en el trabajo en una Estación de Bomberos ubicada en Chihuahua, México

“…Firefighters are exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals due to combustion (volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, and metals) (Engelsman et al, 2020). On the other hand, firefighters may be exposed to diesel exhaust, which is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and particulate matter (PM) from vehicles and off-gas (volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, among others) emitted from idling vehicles and firefighting equipment, such as clothes, boots, and gloves, from the fire scene (Kim et al, 2019). Due to the complexity in the administrative organization and its work processes, it is hard to evaluate the multiple risks and demands to which firefighters are exposed.…”