Guide to monitoring smoke exposure of wildland firefighters.

Abstract

Fire managers and safety officers concerned with smoke exposure among fire crews can use electronic carbon monoxide (CO) monitors to track and prevent overexposure to smoke. Commonly referred to as dosimeters, these lightweight instruments measure the concentration of CO in the air the firefighter's breathe. This guide outlines the protocol developed for sampling smoke exposure among firefighters with CO dosimeters. It provides a basic template for managers and safety officers interested in establishing their own smoke-exposure monitoring program.

Citation

Reinhardt, Tim E.; Ottmar, Roger D.; Hallett, Michael J. 1999. Guide to monitoring smoke exposure of wildland firefighters. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-448. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 15 p