Smoke exposure among firefighters at prescribed burns in the Pacific Northwest.

Smoke exposure measurements among firefighters during prescribed burns in t he Pacific Northwest between 1991 and 1994 showed that a small but signific ant percentage of workers experienced exposure to carbon monoxide and respi ratory irritants that exceeded occupational exposure limits. This most ofte n was caused by unfavorable winds or fire behavior and occurred mostly amon g workers involved in maintaining the fire within the prescribed boundaries . Smoke exposure in such peak exposure situations was up to three times abo ve recommended limits. Exposure to acrolein, benzene, formaldehyde, and res pirable particulate matter could be predicted from measurements of carbon m onoxide. Electronic dosimeters were the best tool to as-sess smoke exposure routinely, so long as quality assurance concepts were included in the moni toring program.