Smoke exposure among wildland firefighters: a review and discussion of current literature.

Timothy E. Reinhardt; Roger D. Ottmar

doi:10.2737/PNW-GTR-373

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Smoke exposure among wildland firefighters: a review and discussion of current literature.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Timothy E. Reinhardt, Roger D. Ottmar

Year:

1997

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-GTR-373

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-373. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 68 p

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Abstract

This paper reviews and summarizes literature about smoke exposure and the resulting adverse health effects among wildland firefighters Many studies have been done on this problem between 1973 and 1995 Overall the data indicate that smoke exposure at wildfires and prescribed fires is usually no more than an inconvenience, but on occasion it approaches or exceeds legal and recommended occupational exposure limits Management action is necessary to bring all smoke exposures into compliance with occupational safety regulations.

Keywords

fire, smoke, human health, occupational exposure, safety smoke exposure

Citation

Reinhardt, Timothy E.; Ottmar, Roger D. 1997. Smoke exposure among wildland firefighters: a review and discussion of current literature. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-373. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 68 p