Characterization of inhalation exposures at a wildfire incident during the Wildland Firefighter Exposure and Health Effects (WFFEHE) Study.

This article focuses on assessing inhalation exposures among wildland firefighters (WFFs) during wildfire suppression activities. The study measured personal air concentrations of volatile organic compounds—including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene isomers, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and naphthalene—and biological markers of wood smoke exposure (creatinine-adjusted levoglucosan in urine) in a 19-member Interagency Hotshot Crew over three days at a wildfire incident in Idaho. Results showed that benzene and other BTEX compounds were highest on the first day during chainsaw use, while formaldehyde and acetaldehyde peaked on the second day during active burning operations; urinary levoglucosan increased post-shift in 65% of samples, especially after mop-up activities on day three. Some firefighters experienced benzene exposures at or above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit, highlighting the ongoing inhalation risks faced by WFFs and the need for effective exposure mitigation strategies adaptable to wildfire conditions.