A panel of (bio)markers for the surveillance of firefighter's health and safety.

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Publications

Firefighters' sleep quality: results of a study in The Northeast of Portugal

Publication . Alves, Sara; Esteves, Filipa; Silva, Francisca; Queiroga, Felisbina; Costa, Solange; Slezakova, Klara; Alves, Maria José; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Teixeira, João Paulo; Morais, Simone; Vaz, Josiana; Fernandes, Adília

The aim of this study was to evaluate and describe the overall sleep quality of firefighters. Application of the Portuguese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to firefighters, from the Northeast of Portugal, who accepted to participate in the study. Data collected between June 2021 and July 2022. The PSQI global score classified participants as 36,9% of participants as poor sleepers, although 73,9% of firefighters reported a subjective quality of sleep of “very good” or “good”, with 9,1% recording a “bad” quality of sleep. In particular, among the 273 total of participants, 35,8% of firefighter’s assumed sleeping more than 7 hours, whilst 59,7% have a sleep efficiency of 85%. Nevertheless, 7% of individuals stated difficulties staying awake on some occasions, and/or some degree of unwillingness to carry out daily activities, in addition, 26 participants (9,5% of the cohort) stated ever took medicine to help them sleep over the past month. Results revealed a global PSQI score ranged from 0 to 19, being higher scores indicative of worse quality of sleep. The mean score was 4.6 and the median score was 4, being scores >5 considered as a significant sleep disturbance. The analytical results of this study reveal the presence of concerns related to the quality of sleep in firefighters, although they have a contrary perception, which can compromise their health and well-being. Thus, it is necessary to develop more research and appropriate interventions to optimize firefighters' sleep and reduce subsequent risks.

2023-05Conference object

Restricted access

Tackling the increasing threat of Smoke Health Impacts from Forest fires and Climate Change

Publication . Esteves, Filipa; Madureira, Joana; Pires, Joana; Teixeira, João Paulo; Costa, Solange

Wildfires have a negative impact on the environment, ecosystems, and human health. Smoke from wildfires contains harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can cause immediate adverse health effects, mostly related to the respiratory system, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In addition to short-term health effects, exposure to smoke has also been linked to long-term population health effects. Epidemiological studies have shown a positive association between wildfire smoke exposure and both cardiorespiratory morbidity and all-cause mortality. This has been particularly evident in susceptible populations, including children, older adults, and pregnant women. Thus, it is important to mitigate wildfires’ impact on the human population through prevention and awareness actions. Recently, occupational exposure as a firefighter was listed as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) by IARC. The proximity of firefighters to wildland fires exposes them to high levels of toxic compounds, making this activity one of the most dangerous in the world. Yet, evidence linking wildland firefighters' occupational exposure and health outcomes is still limited. Characterization of the workplace is an important step for a general perspective of potential risk factors that may influence the parameters considered in further analysis. The increasing risk of wildfires episodes and longer fire seasons highlight the need for occupational studies among these professionals who are commonly exposed to hazardous pollutants. Exposure assessment plays a central role in the identification, evaluation, and control of occupational risks. The exposure is usually assessed through environmental monitoring, where the chemical agents are quantified in environmental samples, as well as through biological monitoring, which consists in the measurement of biological endpoints, commonly called biomarkers. Scientific evidence has contributed to the establishment of measures related with firefighters’ health promotion. Regular monitoring, surveillance and health promotion activities, the introduction of innovative firefighting techniques, safer personal protective equipment and the implementation of written policies and procedures such as decontamination of fire station equipment and spaces are crucial.

2023-10-18Conference object

Open access