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Abstract Introduction Occupational as a firefighter was recently classified as carcinogenic to humans by IARC, based on sufficient evidence for mesothelioma and bladder cancer. There are several studies on occupational exposures of firefighters to PAHs, but only a few assessed the relative contribution of skin and respiratory routes in the overall exposures, and determined the factors driving exposures. Methods An air/biomonitoring study was conducted in firefighters performing simulated firefighting trainings in enclosed environments (sea containers). Air samples, urine samples and skin patch testings were performed on 20 firefighters. In addition, video recording of work practices (unwearing of self-contained breathing apparatus, face and devices cleaning) was performed in order to correlate practices with exposures. PAHs were measured in ambient air as well as their urinary metabolites. Results Moderate to high occupational exposures were measured, with Pyrene and BaP urinary metabolite concentrations exceeding maximum recommended values in occupational settings (up to 2.8 µmol/mol creatinine for 1-OHP and 1 nmol/mol creatinine for 3-OHBaP). Air concentrations were consistent, reaching up to 66 µg/m3 for total PAH concentrations. Patch tests revealed high concentrations on firefighter neck, face and hands. Video records showed the influence of cleaning practices on exposures. Discussion The exposures were found to derive both from dermal absorption (during firefighting) and inhalation (when removing PPE and hyperventilating in the vicinity of containers). Individual practices and poor hygiene protocols explained the high exposures. Conclusion This study confirmed the regular exposures of firefighters, the need for better hygiene protocols, and questioned the relevance of fighting suit for preventing ultrafine particles absorption.
Persoons et al. (Mon,) studied this question.