Adverse respiratory effects following overhaul in firefighters

Burgess, JL; Nanson, CJ; Bolstad-Johnson, DM; Gerkin, R; Hysong, TA; Lantz, RC; Sherrill, DL; Crutchfield, CD; Quan, SF; Bernard, AM; Witten, ML

HERO ID

3050028

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2001

Language

English

PMID

11382182

HERO ID 3050028
In Press No
Year 2001
Title Adverse respiratory effects following overhaul in firefighters
Authors Burgess, JL; Nanson, CJ; Bolstad-Johnson, DM; Gerkin, R; Hysong, TA; Lantz, RC; Sherrill, DL; Crutchfield, CD; Quan, SF; Bernard, AM; Witten, ML
Journal Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume 43
Issue 5
Page Numbers 467-473
Abstract Overhaul is the stage in which firefighters search for and extinguish possible sources of reignition. It is common practice not to wear respiratory protection during overhaul. Fifty-one firefighters in two groups, 25 without respiratory protection and 26 wearing cartridge respirators, were monitored for exposure to products of combustion and changes in spirometric measurements and lung permeability following overhaul of a structural fire. Testing at baseline and 1 hour after overhaul included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), serum Clara cell protein (CC16), and serum surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A). Overhaul increased CC16 in both groups, indicating increased alveolarcapillary membrane permeability. Contrary to expectations, SP-A increased and FVC and FEV1 decreased in the firefighters wearing cartridge respirators. Changes in FEV1, CC16, and SP-A were associated with concentrations of specific products of combustion or carboxyhemoglobin levels. Firefighter exposures during overhaul have the potential to cause changes in spirometric measurements and lung permeability, and self-contained breathing apparatus should be worn during overhaul to prevent lung injury.
Doi 10.1097/00043764-200105000-00007
Pmid 11382182
Wosid WOS:000168694600006
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Relationship(s)