biostudies-literatureGrunfeld JWorking Environment Research Fund (AMFF); and FFIKA, Focused Research Effort on Chemicals in the Working Environment from the Danish Government.825https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11598809biostudies-literatureUnknown12(11)This work investigated the application of a reporter gene bioassay in assessing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure in trainee firefighters. In the PAH CALUX bioassay, the PAH-induced activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in a reporter cell line is recorded by increased luminescence. A repeated measurement study was performed, collecting urine and skin wipe samples at two baseline sessions (spring and autumn) and after three firefighting sessions: one with wood fuel, one with gas fuel, and one without fire. The bioassay response was expressed as benzo[a]pyrene equivalents, which was compared to levels of 16 EPA criteria PAHs in skin wipe samples and 8 hydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs) in urine samples quantified by chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques. Benzo[a]pyreToxicsAssessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure in Trainee Firefighters Using PAH CALUX Bioassay.PMC1159880916-2022-03 (AMFF)Moller PVogel UKofoed-Sorensen VGrunfeld JAndersen MHGJensen SPfalseAssessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure in Trainee Firefighters Using PAH CALUX Bioassay.This work investigated the application of a reporter gene bioassay in assessing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure in trainee firefighters. In the PAH CALUX bioassay, the PAH-induced activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in a reporter cell line is recorded by increased luminescence. A repeated measurement study was performed, collecting urine and skin wipe samples at two baseline sessions (spring and autumn) and after three firefighting sessions: one with wood fuel, one with gas fuel, and one without fire. The bioassay response was expressed as benzo[a]pyrene equivalents, which was compared to levels of 16 EPA criteria PAHs in skin wipe samples and 8 hydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs) in urine samples quantified by chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry techniques. Benzo[a]pyre2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Nov2025-04-19T04:21:17.178Z2025-04-19T04:21:17.178ZS-EPMC115988093959100310.3390/toxics12110825