Health Risks of Structural Firefighters from Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Firefighters have an elevated risk of cancer, which is suspected to be caused by occupational and environmental exposure to fire smoke. Among many substances from fire smoke contaminants, one potential source of toxic exposure is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The goal of this paper is to identify the association between PAH exposure levels and contributing risk factors to derive best estimates of the effects of exposure on structural firefighters’ working environment in fire. We surveyed four databases (Embase, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science) for this systematic literature review. Generic inverse variance method for random effects meta-analysis was applied for two exposure routes—dermal and inhalation. In dermal, the neck showed the highest dermal exposure increased after the fire activity. In inhalation, the meta-regression confirmed statistically significant increases in PAH concentrations for longer durations. We also summarized the scientific knowledge on occupational exposures to PAH in fire suppression activities. More research into uncontrolled emergency fires is needed with regard to newer chemical classes of fire smoke retardant and occupational exposure pathways. Evidence-based PAH exposure assessments are critical for determining exposure–dose relationships in large epidemiological studies of occupational risk factors.

Assessment of Volatile Compound Transference through Firefighter Turnout Gear

“…These results are in consonance with those observed by Shinde and Ormond [ 38 ], who optimized an HS sampling method coupled with GC-MS for the analysis of contaminants on firefighter turnout materials. So far, most of the methods used for the characterization of contaminants in firefighter PPE have been based on the identification of target compound, such as PAHs [ 14 , 22 , 23 , 24 ], making this task complex and difficult to reproduce.…”

“…In another case, these compounds were determined using wipes that were subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) [ 23 ]. By determining individual compounds, it is possible to identify harmful compounds [ 24 ]. However, these methodologies require long analysis time and costly, skilled operators.…”

Risk of Cerebro-Cardiovascular Diseases among Police Officers and Firefighters: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study

“… 7 For example, inhalation of or skin exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fire scenes can cause numerous health problems. 8 …”

Urinary Metabolites of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Firefighters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Of those pollutants, PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are the most studied and best understood carcinogenic substances produced during firefighting activities. As previously reviewed [ 1 ], the possible routes of exposure for PAHs include not only inhalation but also dermal absorption and ingestion. When exposure occurs via multiple routes, an integrated approach for estimating systemic dose, called “biomonitoring”, is generally used.…”