Off-Gassing of Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds from Fire-Fighters’ Uniforms in Private Vehicles—A Pilot Study

Abstract

Firefighters’ uniforms become contaminated with a wide range of chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Laundering practices do not completely remove PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs from firefighting uniforms. This residual contamination of firefighting ensembles may be an ongoing source of exposure to firefighters. Firefighters are known to occasionally store firefighting ensembles in private vehicles. This study aimed to assess whether a firefighting uniform in a vehicle could act as a source for PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs to vehicle users. The shell layers of four laundered firefighting uniforms were sampled non-destructively. Three of these uniforms were heated in a laboratory oven (40, 60, and 80 °C) while the fourth was placed in a private vehicle on a summer day and off-gassing samples were collected from the uniforms. The off-gassing results for PAHs and OPFRs were relatively consistent between laboratory oven and the in-vehicle sample with ∑13 PAHs in off-gas ranging from 7800–23,000 ng uniform−1 day−1, while the ∑6 OPFRs off-gassed was an order of magnitude lower at 620–1600 ng uniform−1 day−1. The off-gassing results for PBDEs were much lower and less consistent between the experiments, which may reflect differences in uniform history. Currently, there is limited understanding of how PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs off-gassed from firefighting uniforms influence firefighter exposure to these chemicals. These findings suggest that firefighting ensembles off-gassing in private vehicles could be a relevant source of PAHs, OPFRs, and PBDEs that contributes to firefighters’ exposure and that this warrants further investigation.

Examination of Factors Influencing SCBA Washing Behavior among Firefighters in Metropolitan

“…While firefighters rely on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to respond to fires immediately, their protective clothing often becomes contaminated with toxic chemicals acquired from the fireground [ 6 , 7 ]. Subsequently, off-gassing of these toxins from field-contaminated gear increases the risk of cancer [ 8 , 9 ]. The chronic health effects of greatest concern identified in studies of firefighters were chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), heart diseases, and lung cancer.…”

Exposure and Risk Assessment of Korean Firefighters to PBDEs and PAHs via Fire Vehicle Dust and Personal Protective Equipment

“…4−6 As PAHs and PBDEs can exist in the gaseous and particulate phases, they can bind to dust, smoke deposits, or condensed fire residues, which can sorb to firefighters' turnout gear (including jackets, pants, hoods, and gloves), skin, and equipment, leading to the inadvertent exposure of firefighters to these toxic combustion-related pollutants either through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. 4,6,7 Exposure of firefighters to hazardous pollutants has been linked to the increased risk of developing cancer and other adverse health conditions, which led the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to declare that the exposures related to the firefighting occupation are possibly carcinogenic to humans. 8 Furthermore, a previous epidemiological study conducted on firefighters in Korea showed that they had a significantly higher risk of cancers compared to the general population.…”

“…Firefighters are known to be exposed to a myriad of hazardous pollutants generated during the combustion process, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), etc. During fire events, PAHs are released through the incomplete combustion of organic materials, such as coal, wood, and oil, while PBDEs are more likely to be released through the combustion of PBDE-containing products, such as plastics, electronics, and/or furniture at fire sites. , Exposure of firefighters to these pollutants can occur via dermal contact with dust or fire debris, smoke inhalation or dust ingestion during on-site fire suppression, rescue, and/or first aid activities. , Similarly, exposure of firefighters to these pollutants may occur via field contamination of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as fire vehicle and fire station contamination by PPE. − As PAHs and PBDEs can exist in the gaseous and particulate phases, they can bind to dust, smoke deposits, or condensed fire residues, which can sorb to firefighters’ turnout gear (including jackets, pants, hoods, and gloves), skin, and equipment, leading to the inadvertent exposure of firefighters to these toxic combustion-related pollutants either through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. ,, …”

Evaluation of an Ozone Chamber as a Routine Method to Decontaminate Firefighters’ PPE

“…In addition, firefighters' skin exposure to hazardous chemicals is partially protected by their uniforms, though they are still not fully impermeable to toxic organic chemicals as indicated by recent studies [22,23]. However, a secondary and important source of contamination after the fire is extinguished is the presence of combustion residues which remain impregnated on firefighters' personal protective equipment (PPE) [24]. When they touch or wear these contaminated objects, toxic compounds can be absorbed through the skin or via inhalation [17,18].…”