Occupational Exposure of Firefighters to Environmental Pollutants

Occupational exposure of firefighters to environmental contaminants Background Firefighters (FF) are exposed during their firefighting activities to a vast array of contaminants and toxic gases vapors that are released into the environment as results of combustion. Between those materials, there are heavy metals, brominated flame retardants (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBDEs) and Volatile organic Compounds (VOC) that include between others Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX).In the last decade a concern for negative health impact for all these contaminants appeared.

There is a vast use of these materials in the production of cars, furniture, electrical appliances, mattresses, paints, etc. These materials are released into the environment and absorbed by the human body.

There are some groups with increased exposure to these materials in comparison to the general population, as results of occupational exposure. Some of these groups include FF, workers who recycle electronic equipment and furniture manufacture workers.

Purposes:

1. to measure the levels of PBDEs, heavy metals and BTEX metabolites in the blood and urine of FF who are exposed to fires during their work
2. to evaluate the association between the levels of these materials and the health status of the participants. This will be done using a health questionnaire and the results of blood tests showing liver, renal and thyroid functions.
3. to compare their exposure levels and health status with those of general population