Australian firefighters' exposure to air toxics during bushfire burns of autumn 2005 and 2006
Reisen, F; Brown, SK
HERO ID
1058185
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Year
2009
Language
English
PMID
| HERO ID | 1058185 |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Review |
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2009 |
| Title | Australian firefighters' exposure to air toxics during bushfire burns of autumn 2005 and 2006 |
| Authors | Reisen, F; Brown, SK |
| Journal | Environment International |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Page Numbers | 342-352 |
| Abstract | 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. |
| Doi | 10.1016/j.envint.2008.08.011 |
| Pmid | 18829114 |
| Wosid | WOS:000263628200017 |
| Url | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2008.08.011 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Comments | Source: Web of Science WOS:000263628200017 |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | Bushfire; Smoke; Carbon monoxide; Respirable particles; Respiratory irritants; Personal exposure; Health |
| Is Qa | No |
| Relationship(s) |
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