Biomonitoring of firefighting forces: a review on biomarkers of exposure to health-relevant pollutants released from fires

Barros, Bela; Oliveira, Marta; Morais, Simone

doi:10.1080/10937404.2023.2172119

Cited by 9 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 169 publications

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“…Even with high levels of personal protective clothing and equipment, chemical exposure still occurs through dermal absorption, inhalation due to off-gassing equipment post fire exposure, inhalation when reduced levels of breathing protection are employed during fire suppression and subsequent exposure through various routes due to cross contamination [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. A recent review has investigated the potential exposures and health effects of a range of chemicals, including some reproductive and developmental effects [ 6 ]. The reproductive toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) firefighters face occupationally include metals and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphate flame esters (OPEs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The aims of the current study are to (1) evaluate chemical concentrations and semen parameters against fertility standards and the general population; (2) assess correlations between chemical concentrations and demographics, fire exposure and reproductive history; and (3) consider how occupational exposures may affect reproduction. Much of the literature surrounding firefighter exposure has pertained to male firefighters due to limited access to female firefighters, or due to women representing a small fraction of the cohort studied and therefore being excluded [ 6 , 34 ]. The current study has been shaped around increasing inclusion opportunities for women to ensure a more balanced presentation of male and female firefighters in health studies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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An Exploratory Analysis of Firefighter Reproduction through Survey Data and Biomonitoring

Engelsman

Banks

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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Firefighters are occupationally exposed to chemicals that may affect fertility. To investigate this effect, firefighters were recruited to contribute blood, urine, breast milk or semen samples to (1) evaluate chemical concentrations and semen parameters against fertility standards and the general population; (2) assess correlations between chemical concentrations and demographics, fire exposure and reproductive history; and (3) consider how occupational exposures may affect reproduction. A total of 774 firefighters completed the online survey, and 97 firefighters produced 125 urine samples, 113 plasma samples, 46 breast milk samples and 23 semen samples. Blood, urine and breast milk samples were analysed for chemical concentrations (semivolatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds, metals). Semen samples were analysed for quality (volume, count, motility, morphology). Firefighter semen parameters were below WHO reference values across multiple parameters. Self-reported rates of miscarriage were higher than the general population (22% vs. 12–15%) and in line with prior firefighter studies. Estimated daily intake for infants was above reference values for multiple chemicals in breast milk. More frequent fire incident exposure (more than once per fortnight), longer duration of employment (≥15 years) or not always using a breathing apparatus demonstrated significantly higher concentrations across a range of investigated chemicals. Findings of this study warrant further research surrounding the risk occupational exposure has on reproduction.

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