Abstract:
In June 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified firefighting as a carcinogenic occupation due to strong evidence linking it to increased cancer in humans, with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) identified as a likely contributor. Although PAH exposure during fire suppression is well-documented, less is known about exposure during demobilization tasks like rolling hoses, cleaning, and stowing contaminated gear. Current best practices lack clear PPE guidelines for these activities, especially regarding glove use. This study evaluated dermal PAH exposure on firefighters’ hands during demobilization and compared effectiveness of structural, leather and nitrile layered leather gloves. Dermal samples from 45 firefighters were collected during live fire training at WA State Fire Training Academy using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and analyzed by GC-MS/MS. Nitrile layered gloves were the most effective during demobilization, limiting on-hand PAH exposure to 0.33 µg/m2, compared to significantly higher exposures with leather gloves (1.31 µg/m2) and structural gloves (2.56 µg/m2). Cross contamination from structural gloves contributed to increased PAH levels, emphasizing the importance of using clean gear after gross decontamination. Thorough gross decontamination reduced PAH exposure by an average of 1.92 µg/m2, underscoring the role of best practices in minimizing dose and duration of exposure. Nitrile layered leather gloves reduced lifetime cancer risk associated with benzo(a)pyrene, a Group 1 carcinogen, to 0.15 per million, significantly lower than leather glove (0.74 per million) and structural gloves (1.45 per million). Although dermal PAH exposures measured during demobilization were lower than during fire suppression, firefighters still face exposure to carcinogenic PAHs. These findings highlight the protective benefits of nitrile layered leather gloves and the importance of effective decontamination practices. To mitigate PAH exposure and associated cancer risks, fire departments can consider adopting nitrile layered leather gloves and implementing training and oversight to ensure effective and consistent implementation of gross decontamination procedures. Recognizing variability in exposure levels, broader engagement with fire services is also essential to refine and implement these recommendations at scale.
In June 2022, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified firefighting as a carcinogenic occupation due to strong evidence linking it to increased cancer in humans, with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) identified as a likely contributor. Although PAH exposure during fire suppression is well-documented, less is known about exposure during demobilization tasks like rolling hoses, cleaning, and stowing contaminated gear. Current best practices lack clear PPE guidelines for these activities, especially regarding glove use. This study evaluated dermal PAH exposure on firefighters’ hands during demobilization and compared effectiveness of structural, leather and nitrile layered leather gloves. Dermal samples from 45 firefighters were collected during live fire training at WA State Fire Training Academy using 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and analyzed by GC-MS/MS. Nitrile layered gloves were the most effective during demobilization, limiting on-hand PAH exposure to 0.33 µg/m2, compared to significantly higher exposures with leather gloves (1.31 µg/m2) and structural gloves (2.56 µg/m2). Cross contamination from structural gloves contributed to increased PAH levels, emphasizing the importance of using clean gear after gross decontamination. Thorough gross decontamination reduced PAH exposure by an average of 1.92 µg/m2, underscoring the role of best practices in minimizing dose and duration of exposure. Nitrile layered leather gloves reduced lifetime cancer risk associated with benzo(a)pyrene, a Group 1 carcinogen, to 0.15 per million, significantly lower than leather glove (0.74 per million) and structural gloves (1.45 per million). Although dermal PAH exposures measured during demobilization were lower than during fire suppression, firefighters still face exposure to carcinogenic PAHs. These findings highlight the protective benefits of nitrile layered leather gloves and the importance of effective decontamination practices. To mitigate PAH exposure and associated cancer risks, fire departments can consider adopting nitrile layered leather gloves and implementing training and oversight to ensure effective and consistent implementation of gross decontamination procedures. Recognizing variability in exposure levels, broader engagement with fire services is also essential to refine and implement these recommendations at scale.