Flame retardants, dioxins, and furans in air and on firefighters' protective ensembles during controlled residential firefighting.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Structure fires that involve modern furnishings may emit brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), as well as brominated and chlorinated dioxins and furans, into the environment.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to quantify the airborne and personal protective equipment (PPE) contamination levels of these compounds during controlled residential fires in the U.S., and to evaluate gross-decontamination measures.

Methods

Bulk-sampling was done to confirm the presence of flame retardants (FRs) in the furnishings used in 12 controlled residential structure fires. Area air samples were collected during the fires and PPE wipe samples were collected from the firefighters' turnout jackets and gloves after firefighting. F

SUBMITTER: Fent KW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9989945 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature