Respiratory Outcomes of Firefighter Exposures in the Fort McMurray Fire: A Cohort Study From Alberta Canada

J Occup Environ Med. 2021 Sep 1;63(9):779-786. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002286.

Abstract

Objective: Determine effects on respiratory health of firefighters attending a catastrophic wildfire.

Methods: Within the Alberta Administrative Health Database, we identified five community-based controls for each firefighter in a cohort of 1234 deployed to the 2016 Fort McMurray fire. Spirometry records were identified and a stratified sample assessed clinically. We estimated PM2.5 particles exposure.

Results: Firefighters had an increased risk of asthma consultation post-fire (OR new onset asthma = 2.56; 95%CI 1.75 to 3.74). Spirometry showed decreased FEV1 and FVC with increasing exposure. In the clinical assessment, 20% had a positive MCT and 21% BWT. Those with ongoing fire-related symptoms had a higher concurrence of positive MCT and BWT (OR = 4.35; 95%CI 1.11 to 17.12). Lower diffusion capacity related to higher exposure.

Conclusions: Massive exposures during a wildfire are associated with non-resolving airways damage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alberta / epidemiology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Firefighters*
  • Fires*
  • Humans
  • Occupational Exposure* / adverse effects
  • Occupational Exposure* / analysis
  • Wildfires*

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