Acute upper and lower respiratory effects in wildland firefighters.
OBJECTIVE
To assess acute respiratory effects experienced by wildland firefighters.


METHODS
We studied two Interagency Hotshot Crews with questionnaires, spirometry, and measurement of albumin, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) as indicators of inflammation in sputum and nasal lavage fluid. Assessments were made preseason, postfire, and postseason.


RESULTS
Fifty-eight members of the two crews had at least two assessments. Mean upper and lower respiratory symptom scores were higher postfire compared to preseason (P < 0.001). The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second was lower postfire compared to preseason (P < 0.001) and then recovered by postseason. Individual increases in sputum and nasal ECP and MPO from preseason to postfire were all significantly associated with postfire respiratory symptom scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Wildland firefighting was associated with upper and lower respiratory symptoms and reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Within individuals, symptoms were associated with increased ECP and MPO in sputum and nasal lavage fluid. The long-term respiratory health impact of wildland firefighting, especially over multiple fire seasons, remains an important concern.
Gaughan
Denise M
DM
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA. mail: dug5@cdc.gov
Cox-Ganser
Jean M
JM
Enright
Paul L
PL
Castellan
Robert M
RM
Wagner
Gregory R
GR
Hobbs
Gerald R
GR
Bledsoe
Toni A
TA
Siegel
Paul D
PD
Kreiss
Kathleen
K
Weissman
David N
DN
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D015415:Biomarkers; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005390:Fires; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013147:Spirometry; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D015415:Biomarkers