| Document ID (ISN) | 111142 |
| CIS number |
10-0700 |
| ISBN(s) |
978-2-89631-294-8 |
| Year |
2008 |
| Convention or series no. |
Etudes et Recherches Rapport R-571
|
| Author(s) |
Austin C. |
| Title |
Wildland firefighter health risks and respiratory protection |
| Original title |
Risques pour la santé des pompiers forestiers et protection respiratoire [in French] |
| Bibliographic information |
Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail du Québec (IRSST), 505 boul. de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal (Quebec) H3A 3C2, Canada, 2008. x, 80p. Illus. Approx. 200 ref. Price: CAD 12.60. Downloadable version (PDF format) free of charge. |
| Internet access |
Rapport_R-571.pdf [in French]
|
| Abstract |
Wildland firefighters are exposed to a complex mixture of combustion products, vapours and irritant gases, carcinogens, inhalable particles and nanoparticles. They exert considerable effort in fighting fires and their work shifts are sometimes longer than 16 hours. Research has shown that their exposure to certain toxic products exceeds the permitted limits, at least some of the time, and that they can be affected by respiratory and neurological problems. This report describes the working conditions of wildland firefighters and the most hazardous substances for their health. It concludes that these workers must wear appropriate respirators and be aware of the efficiency and lifetime of filter cartridges. It furthermore recommends that current equipment be used in conjunction with a carbon monoxide detector. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
toxic substances; smoke; forest fires; fire fighting; personal protective equipment |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
Canada; carbon monoxide; aromatic hydrocarbons; polycyclic hydrocarbons; formaldehyde; acrolein; exposure evaluation; medical supervision; air purifying respirators; comment on standard; report |
| Document type |
E - Books, reports, proceedings |
| Subject(s) |
Commerce, services, offices
Toxic and dangerous substances
Personal protection
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Fires, explosions and major hazards
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Fire fighting, police, prisons and the armed forces
|
