Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) and Metal Contamination of Air and Surfaces Exposed to Combustion Emissions During Emergency Fire Suppression: Implications for Firefighters’ Exposures

Abstract

This study examined occupational exposures of Ottawa firefighters to combustion by-products and selected metals. We measured exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), antimony, cadmium, and lead using (1) personal air samplers worn by firefighters during emergency fire suppression; (2) wipe samples from skin, personal clothing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) collected before and after emergency firefighting (n=29), and (3) air samples collected in three fire stations, truck cabs, and one administration office. We assessed OFS PPE decontamination procedures using wipe samples collected before and after laundering (n=12). Air concentrations exceeded occupational exposure limits at two fire events for lead and nine for PAHs. After fire suppression, PAH concentrations were significantly higher on skin and PPE (p<0.001), antimony on skin, clothing, and PPE (p<0.001, 0.01, and 0.05, respectively), and lead on skin and PPE (p<0.001). Air concentrations of PAHs and antimony were significantly higher in vehicle bays compared to the office (p<0.05), but significantly lower compared to fire truck cabs (p<0.05). Washing PPE was effective in removing, on average, 61% of PAHs, 55% of antimony, 97% of lead, and 90% of cadmium. These results indicate that firefighters are significantly exposed, via multiple routes, to combustion by-products during on-shift fire suppression.