PULMONARY-FUNCTION AND RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN FOREST FIREFIGHTERS

This study evaluated effects on respiratory, health of forest firefigh ters exposed to high concentrations of smoke during their work shift. This is the first study of cross-shift respiratory effects in forest f irefighters conducted on the job. Spirometric measurements and self-ad ministered questionnaire data were collected before and after the 1992 firefighting season. Seventy-six (76) subjects were studied for cross -shift and 53 for cross-season analysis. On average, the cross-season data were collected 77.7 days after the last occupational smoke exposu re. The cross-shift analysis identified significant mean individual de clines in FVC, FEV(1), and FEF(25-75). The preshift to midshift decrea ses were 0.089 L, 0.190 L, and 0.439 L/sec, respectively, with preshif t to postshift declines of 0.065 L, 0.150 L, and 0.496L/sec. Mean indi vidual declines for FVC, FEV(1) and FEF(25-75) of 0.033 L, 0.104 L, an d 0.275 L/sec, respectively, also were noted in the cross-season analy sis. The FEV(1) changed significantly (p<0.05). The use of wood for in door heat also was associated with the declines in FEV(1).Although ann ual lung function changes for a small subset (n=10) indicated reversib ility of effect, this study suggests a concern for potential adverse r espiratory effects in forest firefighters. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.