Firefighter hood contamination: Efficiency of laundering to remove PAHs and FRs

Abstract

Firefighters are occupationally exposed to products of combustion containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and flame retardants (FRs), potentially contributing to their increased risk for certain cancers. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including firefighter hoods, helps to reduce firefighters' exposure to toxic substances during fire responses by providing a layer of material on which contaminants deposit prior to reaching the firefighters skin. However, over time hoods that retain some contamination may actually contribute to firefighters' systemic dose. We investigated the effectiveness of laundering to reduce or remove contamination on the hoods, specifically PAHs and three classes of FRs: polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), non-PBDE flame retardants (NPBFRs), and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs). Participants in the study were grouped into crews of 12 firefighters who worked in pairs by job assignment while responding to controlled fires in a single-family residential structure. For each pair of firefighters, one hood was laundered after every scenario and one was not. Bulk samples of the routinely laundered and unlaundered hoods from five pairs of firefighters were collected and analyzed. Residual levels of OPFRs, NPBFRs, and PAHs were lower in the routinely laundered hoods, with total levels of each class of chemicals being 56-81% lower, on average, than the unlaundered hoods. PBDEs, on average, were 43% higher in the laundered hoods, most likely from cross contamination. After this initial testing, four of the five unlaundered exposed hoods were subsequently laundered with other heavily exposed (unlaundered) and unexposed (new) hoods. Post-laundering evaluation of these hoods revealed increased levels of PBDEs, NPBFRs, and OPFRs in both previously exposed and unexposed hoods, indicating cross contamination. For PAHs, there was little evidence of cross contamination and the exposed hoods were significantly less contaminated after laundering (76% reduction; p ¼ 0.011). Further research is needed to understand how residual contamination on hoods could contribute to firefighters' systemic exposures.

Organophosphate and organohalogen flame-retardant exposure and thyroid hormone disruption in a cohort of female firefighters and office workers from San Francisco

“…Similarly, FR-containing furniture may add to the toxic burden of fighting fires and translate to higher exposures among firefighters when they respond to fires. Studies have shown that fighting fires can contaminate firefighter gear, trucks, engines and equipment, bringing chemical exposures indoors (Banks et al 2020; Mayer et al 2019; Shen et al 2018).…”

“…Nevertheless, firefighter gear may still contain FR compounds that can additionally contribute to exposures from dust accumulated on the gear from fires and calls (Alexander and Baxter 2016). A recent study of firefighting gear found that fighting fires may contaminate the hoods firefighters wear under their protective equipment with OPFRs (Mayer et al 2019). Additionally, laundering may have a limited impact on reducing exposures and, in some cases, may cross-contaminate gear (Mayer et al 2019).…”

“…Firefighters who were 5 on duty at the time of the sample collection had higher levels of two FR chemicals 5 supporting evidence that being at work and potentially in the fire station increases their 5 exposures. We expect that firefighter gear may also be a source of exposure; however, 5 OPFRs (Mayer et al 2019). Additionally, laundering may have a limited impact on 5 reducing exposures and, in some cases, may cross-contaminate gear (Mayer et al 5 2019).…”

Proteção Respiratória Do Combatente De Incêndio Florestal

“…Nesse sentido, os Retardantes de chama bromados estão associados a casos de câncer em bombeiros. (Mayer et al, 2019).…”

Work Conditions and Practices in Norwegian Fire Departments From 1950 Until Today: A Survey on Factors Potentially Influencing Carcinogen Exposure

“…Recent studies [ 11 , 12 ] highlight the importance of proper cleaning of turnout gear as carcinogens can persist and accumulate in clothing, leading to continuous exposure outside of firefighting situations [ 13 ].…”