%0 Audiovisual Material %D 2023 %T Monitoring Personal Chemical Exposures of Structural Firefighters with Silicone Passive Samplers %A Emily M Bonner %E Carolyn M Poutasse %E Walker S Carlos Poston %E Sara A Jahnke %E Christopher K Haddock %E Lane G Tidwell %E Peter D Hoffman %E Kim A Anderson %B SOT Nashville, TN %8 03/2023 %G eng %0 Audiovisual Material %D 2023 %T Monitoring Personal Chemical Exposures of Structural Firefighters with Silicone Passive Samplers %A Emily M Bonner %A Carolyn M Poutasse %A Walker S Carlos Poston %A Sara A Jahnke %A Christopher K Haddock %A Lane G Tidwell %A Peter D Hoffman %A Kim A Anderson %B PNW SETAC Troutdale, OR %8 05/2023 %G eng %0 Audiovisual Material %D 2023 %T Monitoring Personal Chemical Exposures of Structural Firefighters with Silicone Passive Sampling %A Emily M Bonner %A Carolyn M Poutasse %A Walker S Carlos Poston %A Sara A Jahnke %A Christopher K Haddock %A Lane G Tidwell %A Peter D Hoffman %A Kim A Anderson %B SOT Nashville, TN %8 03/2023 %G eng %0 Journal Article %J Int J Hyg Environ Health %D 2023 %T Silicone passive sampling used to identify novel dermal chemical exposures of firefighters and assess PPE innovations. %A Emily M Bonner %A Gavin P Horn %A Denise L Smith %A Kerber, Steve %A Kenneth W Fent %A Lane G Tidwell %A Richard P Scott %A Kaley A Adams %A Kim A Anderson %K Air Pollutants, Occupational %K Firefighters %K Humans %K Occupational Exposure %K Personal Protective Equipment %K Pilot Projects %K Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons %K Silicones %X

A plethora of chemicals are released into the air during combustion events, including a class of compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs have been implicated in increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, both of which are disease endpoints of concern in structural firefighters. Current commercially available personal protective equipment (PPE) typically worn by structural firefighters during fire responses have gaps in interfaces between the ensemble elements (e.g., hood and jacket) that allow for ingress of contaminants and dermal exposure. This pilot study aims to use silicone passive sampling to assess improvements in dermal protection afforded by a novel configuration of PPE, which incorporates a one-piece liner to eliminate gaps in two critical interfaces between pieces of gear. The study compared protection against parent and alkylated PAHs between the one-piece liner PPE and the standard configuration of PPE with traditional firefighting jacket and pants. Mannequins (n = 16) dressed in the PPE ensembles were placed in a Fireground Exposure Simulator for 10 min, and exposed to smoke from a combusting couch. Silicone passive samplers were placed underneath PPE at vulnerable locations near interfaces in standard PPE, and in the chamber air, to measure PAHs and calculate the dermal protection provided by both types of PPE. Silicone passive sampling methodology and analyses using gas chromatography with mass-spectrometry proved to be well-suited for this intervention study, allowing for the calculation and comparison of worker protection factors for 51 detected PAHs. Paired comparisons of the two PPE configurations found greater sum 2-3 ring PAH exposure underneath the standard PPE than the intervention PPE at the neck and chest, and at the chest for 4-7 ring PAHs (respective p-values: 0.00113, 0.0145, and 0.0196). Mean worker protection factors of the intervention PPE were also greater than the standard PPE for 98% of PAHs at the neck and chest. Notably, the intervention PPE showed more than 30 times the protection compared to the standard PPE against two highly carcinogenic PAHs, dibenzo[a,l]pyrene and benzo[c]fluorene. Nine of the detected PAHs in this study have not been previously reported in fireground exposure studies, and 26 other chemicals (not PAHs) were detected using a large chemical screening method on a subset of the silicone samplers. Silicone passive sampling appears to be an effective means for measuring dermal exposure reduction to fireground smoke, providing evidence in this study that reducing gaps in PPE interfaces could be further pursued as an intervention to reduce dermal exposure to PAHs, among other chemicals.

%B Int J Hyg Environ Health %V 248 %P 114095 %8 2023 Mar %G eng %R 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114095 %0 Generic %D 2023 %T Using Silicone Dogtags to Better Understand Personal Chemical Exposures of Structural Firefighters %A Emily M Bonner %E Carolyn M Poutasse %E Walker S Carlos Poston %E Sara A Jahnke %E Christopher K Haddock %E Lane G Tidwell %E Kim A Anderson %B ISES Chicago, IL %8 08/2023 %G eng %0 Generic %D 2022 %T 35th SRP Annual Meeting - 2nd Place Poster Presentation %A Emily M Bonner %B 35th SRP Annual Meeting %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Audiovisual Material %D 2022 %T Comparing Structural Firefighters On and Off Duty Exposure to Xylenes %A Zachary W. Kowash %A Emily M Bonner %A Carolyn M Poutasse %A Walker S Carlos Poston %A Sara A Jahnke %A Christopher K Haddock %A Lane G Tidwell %A Peter D Hoffman %A Kim A Anderson %X
a group of three isomeric volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) can come from many sources, from
petroleum and combustion, to cleaning agents and
plastics1. Chronic and acute exposure to xylenes through
multiple exposure routes has been linked to an assortment
of adverse health effects2,3,4,5,6,7,8. With a high number of
VOCs being released from structural fires, firefighters
could potentially face an occupational risk in responding to
fires due to potential acute and chronic exposure effects9.
Characterizing xylenes exposure in structural firefighters
can provide a greater understanding into the
occupational risk that xylenes pose to those who could be
exposed at a higher frequency.
%B College of Agriculture Career Fair & Student Showcase %8 10/2022 %G eng %0 Audiovisual Material %D 2022 %T Considerations for Scientists and Firefighters when Selecting a Sample Type %A Emily M Bonner %A Kim A Anderson %B 43rd SETAC North America %C Pittsburg, PA %8 11/2022 %G eng %0 Audiovisual Material %D 2022 %T Evaluating PAH Dermal Exposure and Turnout Gear Efficacy Using Silicone Passive Sampling %A Emily M Bonner %A Gavin P Horn %A Denise L Smith %A Steven Kerber %A Kenneth W Fent %A Lane G Tidwell %A Richard P Scott %A Kaley A Adams %A Kim A Anderson %B 35th SRP Annual Meeting %C Raleigh, NC %8 12/2022 %G eng %0 Generic %D 2022 %T Firefighter Dermal Exposure Assessment with Silicone Samplers %A Emily M Bonner %A Gavin P Horn %A Denise L Smith %A Steven Kerber %A Kenneth W Fent %A Richard P Scott %A Lane G Tidwell %A Kim A Anderson %B SOT San Diego %8 03/2022 %G eng %0 Generic %D 2022 %T Firefighter Dermal Exposure to PAHs Assessed with Silicone Samplers %A Emily M Bonner %A Gavin P Horn %A Denise L Smith %A Steven Kerber %A Kenneth W Fent %A Lane G Tidwell %A Richard P Scott %A Kaley A Adams %A Kim A Anderson %B 43rd SETAC North America %C Pittsburg, PA %8 11/2022 %G eng %0 Audiovisual Material %D 2022 %T Measuring On and Off-Duty Exposures of Structural Firefighters with Silicone Passive Samplers %A Emily M Bonner %A Carolyn M Poutasse %A Walker S Carlos Poston %A Sara A Jahnke %A Christopher K Haddock %A Lane G Tidwell %A Peter D Hoffman %A Kim A Anderson %B 43rd SETAC North America %C Pittsburg, PA %8 11/2022 %G eng %0 Magazine Article %D 2021 %T Evaluating Fireground Exposures: Why the Sample Matters %A Emily M Bonner %A Kim A Anderson %B Fire Engineering %V 174 %8 05/2021 %G eng %U https://www.fireengineering.com/health-safety/evaluating-fireground-exposures-why-the-sample-matters/ %N 5 %0 Generic %D 2021 %T Exploring Personal Chemical Exposures of Structural Firefighters Using Silicone Dog-tags as Passive Samplers %A Emily M Bonner %A Carolyn M Poutasse %A Walker S Carlos Poston %A Sara A Jahnke %A Christopher K Haddock %A Lane G Tidwell %A Peter D Hoffman %A Kim A Anderson %X

Structural firefighters are exposed to many potentially hazardous chemicals while on the job. In a burning building, chemicals in furniture, building materials, and home goods can be volatilized in the high heat, and pyrogenic chemicals can be formed. Adverse health outcomes observed in firefighters, such as increased incidence of various cancers and cardiovascular disease, raise concerns about these occupational exposures. This study seeks to compare chemical exposures of firefighters when on- and off-duty using silicone dog-tags worn around the neck, as passive samplers. There were 57 firefighter participants selected from two-stations in the Kansas City Metropolitan area; on average, one received fewer than two calls per month (low call volume), and the other received more than 12 calls per month (high call volume). Each firefighter wore two separate dog-tags while on- and off-duty for a total of 30 24-hour shifts. The firefighters also filled out questionnaires, indicating the number of fire attacks they participated in while wearing the tags, as well as other demographic and lifestyle information that might inform exposures. The dog-tags were extracted and analyzed using GC-MS. This presentation will focus on results for two chemical classes, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Preliminary data show that 16 different firefighters were exposed to PCBs, 12 of which were from the high call volume station. Additionally, 12 different PCB congeners were detected. It is hypothesized that chemical concentrations in paired on-duty versus off-duty tags will be higher, and that the high versus low call volume station will have greater chemical concentrations. Other questions about concentration correlation to questionnaire data, PCB sources, and potential adverse health outcomes linked to the observed exposures will also be explored. Silicone passive samplers are a useful tool in gathering data on chemical exposures of firefighters because they can mimic dermal absorption of the bioavailable phase, a particularly concerning route of exposure for firefighters. They are also easy to use and maintain, allowing for this month-long exposure study. This application of passive sampling will help us better characterize the occupational exposures of firefighters when they are on- and off-duty, and how that is impacted by station call-volume.

%B SETAC North America 42nd Annual Meeting %8 11/2021 %G eng %0 Journal Article %J Environ Int %D 2021 %T Firefighter exposures to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals measured by military-style silicone dog tags. %A Carolyn M Poutasse %A Christopher K Haddock %A Walker S Carlos Poston %A Sara A Jahnke %A Lane G Tidwell %A Emily M Bonner %A Peter D Hoffman %A Kim A Anderson %X

Studies suggest that exposure to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (pEDCs) may contribute to adverse health outcomes, but pEDC exposures among firefighters have not been fully characterized. Previously, we demonstrated the military-style silicone dog tag as a personal passive sampling device for assessing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposures among structural firefighters. This follow-up analysis examined the pEDC exposures based on department call volume, duty shift, and questionnaire variables. Structural firefighters (n = 56) were from one high and one low fire call volume department (Kansas City, MO metropolitan area) and wore separate dog tags while on- and off-duty (n = 110). The targeted 1530 analyte semi-quantitative screening method was conducted using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (n = 433). A total of 47 pEDCs were detected, and several less-frequently-detected pEDCs (<75%) were more commonly detected in off- compared to on-duty dog tags (conditional logistic regression). Of the 11 phthalates and fragrances detected most frequently (>75%), off-duty pEDC concentrations were strongly correlated (r = 0.31-0.82, p < 0.05), suggesting co-applications of phthalates and fragrances in consumer products. Questionnaire variables of "regular use of conventional cleaning products" and "fireplace in the home" were associated with select elevated pEDC concentrations by duty shift (paired t-test). This suggested researchers should include detailed questions about consumer product use and home environment when examining personal pEDC exposures.

%B Environ Int %V 158 %P 106914 %8 2021 Oct 11 %G eng %R 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106914 %0 Audiovisual Material %D 2021 %T Investigation of Firefighter Exposures to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Using Silicone Dog-Tags %A Emily M Bonner %A Carolyn M Poutasse %A Walker S Carlos Poston %A Sara A Jahnke %A Christopher K Haddock %A Lane G Tidwell %A Peter D Hoffman %A Kim A Anderson %X

Firefighters provide critical services to communities around the world despite the occupational hazards that they face. One such hazard, is exposure to a suite of chemicals released during a fire. In particular, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a concerning class of chemicals, which persist in older building materials and electrical equipment (e.g. transformers). PCBs are recognized as endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and developmental toxicants. Furthermore, some studies have shown structural firefighters to have elevated levels of PCBs in their serum. In this study, silicone passive samplers similar to military dog-tags worn around the neck were used to measure the bioavailable fraction of PCBs firefighters were exposed to while on- and off-duty. The dog-tags were worn by firefighters for a total of 30 24- hour shifts (n=57). These firefighters were from two different stations in the Kansas City metropolitan area, one of which had fewer than two calls to respond to per month on average (low call volume), and one that had more than 12 calls per month on average (high call volume). Additional questionnaire data was collected on number of fire attacks an individual participated in, demographics, and lifestyle information that might influence chemical exposures. The dog-tags were extracted using solvent and underwent solid phase extraction prior to instrumental analysis. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the extracts for 43 PCB congeners. PCBs were detected in sample extracts from 16 different firefighters, 12 of which were from the high call volume station. Out of 12 detected congeners, PCB 153 was the most frequently detected. Statistical analyses will be used to assess whether PCB concentrations were higher at the high versus low call volume department and while on- compared to off-duty. Finally, we will explore correlation between questionnaire data such as number of fire attacks, and firefighters’ individual PCB exposures. Although firefighters may be exposed to increased levels of PCBs in house fires, few studies have monitored these exposures. There are even fewer studies that measure dermal exposure, even though PCBs are known to be absorbed through and distributed to the skin. Given the hazards posed by PCBs, it is critical that we better understanding individual firefighters’ exposures to PCBs while on- and off-duty.

 

%B International Society of Exposure Science, Remote %8 08/2021 %G eng %0 Generic %D 2020 %T Oregon State University's Provost Scholarship %A Emily M Bonner %8 2019-2020 %G eng %0 Audiovisual Material %D 2020 %T Silicone Wristband Samplers Used to Evaluate Firefighter PPE Designs to Mitigate Fireground Chemical Exposures %A Emily M Bonner %A Gavin P Horn %A Denise L Smith %A Stephen Kerber %A Richard P Scott %A Lane G Tidwell %A Kim A Anderson %B International Society of Exposure Science, Remote %8 09/2020 %G eng %0 Generic %D 0 %T 2022 Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology “Extra Effort” award %A Emily M Bonner %8 12/2022 %G eng