Health Effects of Exposure

For decades, firefighters and fire managers have been concerned about the effects of smoke on wildland firefighters. Interest in the health hazards of smoke intensified after the 1987 and 1988 fire seasons, leading to the development of a comprehensive plan to study emissions, employee exposure, health effects, risk assessment, and risk management (Ward, Rothman, and Strickland,1989). Studies of the emissions in vegetative smoke indicate the potential for exposure to hazardous emissions. And recent employee exposure studies show that firefighters are exposed to levels exceeding OSHA permissible exposure limits in a small percentage of cases studied. This report summarizes some of the potential health effects of short, intermediate, and long-term exposure to the health hazards of smoke. Short-Term Exposure Immediate effects of exposure include symptoms of sore eyes (tearing), cough, and running nose. Data from field first aid stations indicate that 30 to 50 % of visits are for upper respiratory problems (cold, cough, sore throat). Some studies indicate that upper respiratory symptoms and problems increase over the course of the fire season. While upper respiratory problems may be due in part to smoke, they may also result from physical exhaustion, psychological stress, and poor nutrition, all factors known to suppress the function of the immune system. The spread of upper respiratory infections may be exacerbated by poor health habits and conditions in fire camps. The average adult has from one to six colds annually, with approximately 40 % caused by rhinoviruses. Athletes and exercise enthusiasts with upper respiratory infections (URI) commonly continue to participate in recreational and competitive sports. Upper respiratory infections caused by rhinoviruses are restricted to the upper respiratory tract. They do not alter pulmonary function measures, or impair submaximal or maximal exercise performance (Weidner et al., 1997). Viruses that produce viremias (virus in the blood) can infect a wide variety of host tissues, including skeletal muscle. When symptoms are “above the neck” (stuffy nose, sneezing, scratchy throat), it is safe to continue work or exercise. If symptom