Monitoring of firefighters exposure to smoke during fire experiments in Portugal

作者：Miranda Ana Isabel^*; Martins Vera; Cascao Pedro; Amorim Jorge Humberto; Valente Joana; Tavares Richard; Borrego Carlos; Tchepel Oxana; Ferreira Antonio Jorge; Cordeiro Carlos Robalo; Viegas Domingos Xavier; Ribeiro Luis Mario; Pita Luis Paulo

来源：Environment International, 2010, 36(7): 736-745.

DOI：10.1016/j.envint.2010.05.009

• Firefighters exposure
• Air pollutants
• Experimental fires
• Occupational exposure standards
• Mediterranean shrubland

Forest fires represent a serious threat to public security in Europe due to the large burned area. Moreover, smoke pollution due to forest fire events is an important public health issue for the communities directly affected, and particularly for the personnel involved in firefighting operations. Aiming to contribute to the scientific knowledge concerning firefighters exposure to forest fires smoke, data of individual exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter were obtained during experimental field fires for a group of 10 firefighters equipped with portable "in continuum" measuring devices. Measured values are very high exceeding the Occupational Exposure Standard limits, in particular for peak limit thresholds. These are the first measurements and analysis of firefighter's individual exposure to toxic gases and particles in fire smoke experiments in Europe. However, they already indicate that urgent measures to avoid these levels of exposure are needed.

• 出版日期2010-10