Four avenues of investigation will be conducted, each contributing to build an exposure profile of bushfire fighters:
1. Personal air monitoring samples from prescribed burns - firefighters will be recruited during prescribed burns
The aim of this study will be to identify and characterise the contaminants inhaled by firefighters during their duties.
2. Dermal contaminant deposits - firefighters will be recruited after attending prescribed burns or real bushfire events
The aim of this study will be to determine if contaminants are being deposited onto firefighters’ skin and if it may be a risk factor for exposure.
3. Off gassing of tunics - the tunics of firefighters will be collected after prescribed burns or real bushfire events
The aim of this study is to determine if contaminants are being off gassed from tunics in the hours after use.
4. PPE wearing behaviour of firefighters
In this study, firefighters recruited through study A, B and C will be interviewed regarding their PPE wearing behaviour and perceived smoke exposure from fire events.
