Exposure concentrations of PAHs in firefighters during wildland fires, and neurotoxic effects in brain cells models

Wildland fires, including both wildfires and prescribed burns, emit large quantities of smoke containing hazardous air pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Understanding PAHs concentrations in these smoke-filled environments is key to developing effective mitigation strategies to protect public health and safety. However, conventional measurement strategies are not always feasible in the highly dynamic and logistically complex settings of wildfire events. As a result, alternative approaches are needed, such as the use of silicone wristbands (SWBs) as passive air samplers. PAHs were analyzed in SWBs worn by fire fighters with different occupational tasks during wildland fires. After deployment, extraction, and GC-MS/MS analysis, PAH air concentrations were calculated using a compound-specific a kinetic uptake model. Personal exposure to PAHs was task-specific and in relation to the distance of fire smoke exposure. PAH air concentrations measured in SWBs were compared with those obtained from PM filter of personal Black Carbon samplers, and with results from brain cell exposure samples.

 

Reference:
Gili et al. Passive sampling of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by silicone wristbands during wildland fires. Atmospheric Environment 362 (2025) 121564