The role of biomarkers in the assessment of potential health risks of wildland firefighters' occupational exposure: An overview

Abstract

Worldwide, wildfires are among the most common forms of natural disasters. In recent decades, these events have become more frequent and burn more intensely and widely than they have in the past fueled by climate-related changes. The proximity of firefighters to fires exposes them to high levels of toxic compounds, making this occupation one the most dangerous in the world. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified occupational exposure as a firefighter as possibly carcinogenic to humans. However, little is known about the biological mechanisms related with wildland firefighters' occupational exposure. Woodsmoke is a complex mixture of gases and particles with the potential to cause short-and long-term deleterious health effects. Previous studies have shown that the inhalation of woodsmoke promotes systemic oxidative stress, higher levels of molecular and inflammatory biomarkers and excretion of exposure-related biometabolites. The exposure to smoke has been related to the incidence of cardiorespiratory diseases and with the increased risk of developing site-specific cancers. In addition to inhalation exposure, transdermal absorption has been postulated as an important route of exposure for certain smoke compounds. The integration of exposure data with biological monitoring information is of great importance to predict risks and prevent diseases related to hazardous exposures. This chapter resumes the existing knowledge of the role of biomarkers to assess potential health risks, in particular the most recent findings related to wildland firefighters' biomonitoring. Principal strengths and limitations identified in this field will also be discussed. This overview reveals the need for further research in this area, as well as the importance of public/decision-makers awareness for the health protection of this professionals. Surveillance (bio)monitoring, along with policies and recommendations may constitute an important tool to prevent short-and long-term adverse health effects related to occupational firefighting. © 2022 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.