Application of real-time particle sensors to help mitigate exposures of wildland firefighters

Arch Environ Occup Health. 2005 Jan-Feb;60(1):40-3. doi: 10.3200/AEOH.60.1.40-43.

Abstract

High particulate exposures have been demonstrated to decrease lung function among firefighters. In this article, the authors demonstrated the feasibility of using small real-time particle sensors to inform wildland firefighters so they may make informed decisions on the use of personal respiratory protection. Using 1 mg/m3 as an indicator point for use of appropriately designed respiratory protection, such sensors could help prevent 16% to 74% of particulate exposure during prescribed burns when firefighters assess exposure as low or medium. Adherence to such a guideline for the use of respiratory protection would involve its deployment during 3% to 22% of individual 8-hour shifts. In addition, data-logging sensors would provide a valuable tool for tracking exposure to particulates among wildland firefighters for occupational health monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dust*
  • Environmental Monitoring / instrumentation*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Fires*
  • Humans
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Trees*

Substances

  • Dust