Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal
Bushfire fighting is a hazardous occupation and control strategies are generally in place to minimize the hazards. However, little is known regarding firefighters' exposure to bushfire smoke, which is a complex mixture of toxic gases and particles. In Australia, during the prescribed burning season, firefighters are likely to be exposed on a regular basis to bushfire smoke, but whether these exposures affect health has yet to be determined. There are a number of factors that govern whether exposure to smoke will result in short-term and/or long-term health problems, including the concentrations of air pollutants within the breathing zone of the firefighter, the exposure duration, and health susceptibility of the individual, especially for pre-existing lung or heart disease. This paper presents measurements of firefighters' personal exposure to bushfire smoke, the first step within a risk management framework. It provides crucial information on the magnitude, extent and frequency of personal exposure to bushfire smoke for a range of typical scenarios. It is found that the primary air toxics of concern are carbon monoxide (CO), respirable particles and formaldehyde. Also, work activity is a major factor influencing exposure with exposure standards (both average and short-term limits) likely to be exceeded for activities such as suppression of spot fires, holding the fireline, and patrolling at the edge of a burn area in the urban-rural interface.
Resource Description
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Air Pollution, Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster
- Air Pollution, Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster: Particulate Matter, Other Air Pollution, Specify
- Particulate Matter, Other Air Pollution, Specify: CO, VOCs
- Air Pollution, Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster: Wildfire
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General Geographic Feature
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Non-United States
- Non-United States: Australasia
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Neurological Impact, Respiratory Impact
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Research Article
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Vulnerable Population
- Vulnerable Population: Workers