Smoke Exposure at Western Wildfires

Smoke exposure measurements among firefighters at wildfires showed that between 3 & 5% of the shift-average exposures exceeded occupational exposure limits (OEL) for carbon monoxide (CM) & respiratory irritants. Among workers involved in direct attack of actively burning areas & maintaining fireline boundaries, peak exposure situations could be several times greater than recommended OEL for short-term exposures. Exposure to acrolein, benzene, formaldehyde, & respirable particulate matter could be predicted from measurements of carbon monoxide. Electrochemical dosimeters for CM were the best tool for routinely assessing smoke exposure. Tables.Reinhardt, Timothy E. is the author of 'Smoke Exposure at Western Wildfires' with ISBN 9780756712174 and ISBN 0756712173.