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

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

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/8796

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Abstract(s)

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.