Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal
OBJECTIVES: To assess acute respiratory effects experienced by wildland firefighters. METHODS: We studied two Interagency Hotshot Crews with questionnaires, spirometry, and measurement of albumin, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as indicators of inflammation in sputum and nasal lavage fluid. Assessments were made preseason, postfire, and postseason. RESULTS: Fifty-eight members of the two crews had at least two assessments. Mean upper and lower respiratory symptom scores were higher postfire compared to preseason (P < 0.001). The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was lower postfire compared to preseason (P < 0.001) and then recovered by postseason. Individual increases in sputum and nasal ECP and MPO from preseason to postfire were all significantly associated with postfire respiratory symptom scores. CONCLUSIONS: Wildland firefighting was associated with upper and lower respiratory symptoms and reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Within individuals, symptoms were associated with increased ECP and MPO in sputum and nasal lavage fluid. The long-term respiratory health impact of wildland firefighting, especially over multiple fire seasons, remains an important concern.
Resource Description
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Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster
- Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster: Wildfire
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Mountain, Valley
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United States
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Respiratory Impact
- Respiratory Impact: Other Respiratory Impact, Specify
- Other Respiratory Impact, Specify: respiratory symptoms
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Research Article
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Vulnerable Population
- Vulnerable Population: Workers