French firefighters exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene after simulated structure fires

Introduction: Firefighters have occupational exposure to toxic compounds during firefighting, but not only. Surface contamination of equipment has never been studied in French firefighters.

Materials and methods: This study measured the surface load in benzo [a]pyrene (BaP), a carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, on the outer surface of fire jackets, personal protective equipment and tools used by firefighters after a live fire training in a closed environment. The effectiveness of a standard jacket washing procedure on BaP contamination was assessed.

Results: A single training session was responsible for a BaP deposit of 113.75 ± 45.03μg/m² on exposed fire jacket material. After a single session, the deposit of BaP found on PPE and tools was measured on different surfaces ranged from 12 to 157 μg/m². After multiple training sessions, a cumulative effect was suspected. The current PPE cleaning and maintenance procedures does not appear to effectively reduce contamination.

Conclusion: French firefighters' exposure during in a live-fire training session in fire simulator is responsible for exposure to BaP. The estimated load of BaP on the outer surface of fire jackets could potentially have acute and chronic effects if absorbed in one's body. Further studies are needed to better understand individual French firefighters' exposure and determine appropriate measures to prevent contamination. It will be also be necessary find maintenance procedures that significantly reduce the BaP load.