TY - JOUR
T1 - Evaluation of silicone-based wristbands as passive sampling systems using PAHs as an exposure proxy for carcinogen monitoring in firefighters
T2 - Evidence from the firefighter cancer initiative
AU - Baum, Jeramy L.R.
AU - Bakali, Umer
AU - Killawala, Chitvan
AU - Santiago, Katerina M.
AU - Dikici, Emre
AU - Kobetz, Erin N.
AU - Solle, Natasha Schaefer
AU - Deo, Sapna
AU - Bachas, Leonidas
AU - Daunert, Sylvia
N1 - Funding Information:
This work was supported by funding from the State of Florida appropriation #2382A to the University of Miami ( UM ) Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center . The authors thank the firefighters, firefighter unions, and support groups throughout Florida for their aid and participation in this study. Dr. Caban-Martinez was instrumental in the initial stages of this research project, especially helping to establish a well working relationship with firefighters and firefighter leadership. Dr. Caban-Martinez also helped secure funding and support for our research efforts. Dr. Sylvia Daunert is grateful for support from the Lucille P. Markey Chair in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Miller School of Medicine of the University of Miami.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Author(s)
PY - 2020/12/1
Y1 - 2020/12/1
N2 - Compared to the general population, firefighters are known to sustain greater levels of exposure to hazardous compounds, despite their personal protective equipment, also known as turnout gear. Among the most significant toxins that firefighters are chronically exposed to are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Additionally, firefighters have also been noted to exhibit an increased incidence of certain types of cancer. Considering a probable link between exposure to PAHs and increased rates of cancer in the fire service, we aim to document ambient chemical concentrations in the firefighter work environment. Our strategy involves the use of silicone-based wristbands that have the capacity to passively sorb PAHs. To determine if wristbands can serve as an effective chemical monitoring device for the fire service, silicone wristbands were pilot-tested as personal sampling devices for work environment risk monitoring in active-duty firefighters. Recovered wristbands underwent multiple extraction steps, followed by GC-MS analysis to demonstrate their efficacy in monitoring PAHs in the firefighter environment. Initial findings from all wristband samples taken from firefighters showed multiple exposures to various PAHs of concern for the health of the firefighters when in a fire environment. In addition to PAH monitoring, we examined known and potential sources of PAH contamination in their work environment. To that end, profiles of elevated PAH concentrations were documented at various fire stations throughout South Florida, for individual firefighters both during station duties and active fire response.
AB - Compared to the general population, firefighters are known to sustain greater levels of exposure to hazardous compounds, despite their personal protective equipment, also known as turnout gear. Among the most significant toxins that firefighters are chronically exposed to are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Additionally, firefighters have also been noted to exhibit an increased incidence of certain types of cancer. Considering a probable link between exposure to PAHs and increased rates of cancer in the fire service, we aim to document ambient chemical concentrations in the firefighter work environment. Our strategy involves the use of silicone-based wristbands that have the capacity to passively sorb PAHs. To determine if wristbands can serve as an effective chemical monitoring device for the fire service, silicone wristbands were pilot-tested as personal sampling devices for work environment risk monitoring in active-duty firefighters. Recovered wristbands underwent multiple extraction steps, followed by GC-MS analysis to demonstrate their efficacy in monitoring PAHs in the firefighter environment. Initial findings from all wristband samples taken from firefighters showed multiple exposures to various PAHs of concern for the health of the firefighters when in a fire environment. In addition to PAH monitoring, we examined known and potential sources of PAH contamination in their work environment. To that end, profiles of elevated PAH concentrations were documented at various fire stations throughout South Florida, for individual firefighters both during station duties and active fire response.
KW - Carcinogen
KW - Environmental and occupational exposure
KW - Firefighter
KW - Personal exposure monitoring
KW - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
KW - Source detection
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U2 - 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111100
DO - 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111100
M3 - Article
C2 - 32911453
AN - SCOPUS:85090334091
VL - 205
JO - Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
JF - Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
SN - 0147-6513
M1 - 111100
ER -