Exposures of Western Australian Wildland Firefighters: Insights from Real-Time Monitoring

Fire, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 8(3), P. 98 - 98

Published: Feb. 27, 2025

Background: Inhalation of bushfire smoke is a risk to the health firefighters, particularly across Australia where bushfires are becoming more frequent and intense. This study aimed use real-time monitoring devices assess particle chemical exposures Western Australian firefighters during prescribed burns bushfires. Methods: Participants included volunteer forestry firefighters. Real-time gas particulate monitors were used nine unique fire events evaluate occupational Findings: Firefighters (n = 40) exposed high concentrations matter (PM), PM10, with varying widely between individuals events. Exposures carbon monoxide (CO) volatile organic compounds (VOCs) observed at elevated levels. No significant elevation in internal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was observed. Conclusions: highlights importance respiratory protective equipment (RPE) need for programmes Prescribed appear reflective could serve as valuable experimental settings refining firefighting strategies practises.

Language: Английский

Smoke Exposure and Respirator Use Among Wildland Firefighters: A Narrative Review

Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 23, 2025

Language: Английский