ADVERSE RESPIRATORY EFFECTS FOLLOWING OVERHAUL IN FIREFIGHTERS

Objective: To evaluate the respiratory toxicity associated with exposure to low concentrations of products of combustion during firefighter overhaul, which involves searching for and extinguishing possible sources of reignition. Methods: Firefighters were monitored at baseline and again after completing overhaul. Testing included spirometry and serum pneumoprotein [Clara cell protein (CC16) and surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A)] assessments. One group of firefighters wore no respiratory protection (NRP) while the other group wore air-purifying respirators (APR). Results: The results are summarized in the following table. Group n CC16 ([micro]g/L) SP-A ([micro]g/L) NRP-baseline 25 8.92 [+ or -] 3.52 287.0 [+ or -] 144.3 NRP-overhaul 25 12.34 [+ or -] 3.61 305.7 [+ or -] 156.7 p = 0.003 p = 0.539 APR-baseline 26 9.55 [+ or -] 3.50 250.3 [+ or -] 117.4 APR-overhaul 26 14.57 [+ or -] 5.22 333.7 [+ or -] 140.7 p < 0.001 p = 0.001 Group n FVC (L) [FEV.sub.1] (L) NRP-baseline 19 5.43 [+ or -] 0.70 4.06 [+ or -] 0.64 NRP-overhaul 19 5.36 [+ or -] 0.73 3.94 [+ or -] 0.65 p = 0.228 p = 0.097 APR-baseline 24 5.38 [+ or -] 0.66 4.16 [+ or -] 0.48 APR-overhaul 24 5.23 [+ or -] 0.72 4.05 [+ or -] 0.64 p = 0.001 p = 0.005 Conclusions: Overhaul increased CC16 in both groups. CC16 has been shown to increase with altered alveolar-capillary permeability, but the clinical significance of this change has not yet been determined. Contrary to expectations, SP-A increased and FVC and [FEV.sub.1] decreased in the firefighters wearing APR. Continuing analysis will focus on differences in levels of chemical exposure between the two groups. Firefighter respiratory exposures during overhaul have the potential to cause changes in spirometry and lung permeability. Burgess JL, Nanson CJ, Bolstad-Johnson DM, Gerkin R, Hysong T, Lantz RC, Sherrill DL, Quan SF, Witten ML. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; City of Phoenix Fire Department, Phoenix, AZ
Burgess JL, Nanson CJ, Bolstad-Johnson DM, Gerkin R, Hysong T, Lantz RC, Sherrill DL, Quan SF, Witten ML. University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; City of Phoenix Fire Department, Phoenix, [...]