Occupational health for firefighters.
Occupational health and safety programs for firefighters have received increasing attention over the last several years, due to the growing recognition of potential long-term health risks for firefighters. These workers not only face severe physical and psychological demands, but also risks of chronic or delayed adverse job-related health consequences. Firefighters are routinely exposed to a large number of toxic substances (e.g., carbon monoxide, benzene, particulate, asbestos, polynuclear aromatic compounds, hydrogen chloride, and cyanide) as well as physical hazards such as heat and noise. Their emergency medical response duties also put them at risk of exposure to infectious agents. Firefighters are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, cancer, and noise-induced hearing loss. Occupational medical care for firefighters needs to monitor for these long-term health risks.
Melius
J
J
New York State Laborers' Health and Safety Trust Fund, Albany, NY 12211, USA.
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity; D005390:Fires; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D017751:Safety Management / Q000379:methods; D012906:Smoke; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D002273:Carcinogens; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D012906:Smoke