Effectiveness of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus: An Observational Study on Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Associated Respiratory Risks
Background: An effective risk assessment and management methodology is essential to minimize/mitigate health risks associated with firefighting activities. The use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is mandatory during structure fires to protect firefighters from hazardous fire effluents...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Fire |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2571-6255/8/5/182 |
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| Summary: | Background: An effective risk assessment and management methodology is essential to minimize/mitigate health risks associated with firefighting activities. The use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is mandatory during structure fires to protect firefighters from hazardous fire effluents, yet the protectiveness of the SCBA system has rarely been evaluated. Objective: This study characterizes, for the first time, the levels of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) inside the SCBA facemask, during 7 structure-firefighting exercises and estimates associated respiratory risks. Methods: Cotton disk samples were collected via passive air sampling and analyzed using liquid chromatography with fluorescence and UV–Vis detection. Results: Levels of total PAHs (∑PAHs: 9.17–29.6 ng/m<sup>3</sup>) and ∑PAHs<sub>carcinogenic</sub> (0.41–5.73 ng/m<sup>3</sup>) were below the occupational limits defined by governmental agencies. The low-molecular-weight PAHs were predominant (79.5–91.4%), and the (possible/known) carcinogenic naphthalene (0.26–2.00 ng/m<sup>3</sup>), anthracene (0.088–0.31 ng/m<sup>3</sup>), chrysene (0.046–0.39 ng/m<sup>3</sup>), benzo(b+j)fluoranthene (0.18–0.40 ng/m<sup>3</sup>), and benzo(<i>a</i>)pyrene (0.041–0.18 ng/m<sup>3</sup>) were detected in all samples. The respiratory health risk analysis demonstrated negligible risks associated with the inhalation of PAHs. A health principal component analysis could identify firefighters at increased respiratory risk. Conclusions: The effectiveness of SCBA was demonstrated, reinforcing the need to ensure its correct use during all the phases of structure fires, including during overhaul. |
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| ISSN: | 2571-6255 |