Excerpts from Firehouse.com:
Currently, a collaborative study is taking place at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI), where researchers are examining not only the contaminants on firefighter gear but also on the skin. They're also measuring the gases released when furniture and carpets burn. This is just one part of a broader, multi-institutional project involving IFSI, UL, NIOSH, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Skidmore College.
Twelve Illinois firefighters and researchers participated in the initial phase of the study. Each firefighter had blood drawn, their vitals and temperature checked, and urine samples analyzed for specific markers and hydration levels. They were also given a heart-monitoring device to wear for the next 12 hours.
Dr. Denise Smith explained that a key goal of the research is to understand how firefighting affects the cardiovascular system. “We often talk about getting the engine back into service. But how long does it actually take for a firefighter to recover? We want to see if there are changes in their bodies hours after the incident,†she said.
Each year, numerous firefighters lose their lives not during the fire itself, but in the hours following the incident. This highlights the importance of understanding the long-term effects of exposure to heat, smoke, and toxic chemicals.
To ensure accurate results, the firefighters wore brand-new gear to avoid any contamination. They carried three small chemical collection units—about the size of a portable radio—in their coat pockets. These devices were removed and tested after each task was completed.
UL and NIOSH engineers set up advanced equipment to monitor the gases and heat levels inside the burning rooms. UL Research Engineer Robin Zevotek installed thermal sensors throughout the space, placing them two feet apart from floor to ceiling in some areas, and just one foot apart in others. He could monitor the temperature changes in real-time using a nearby display.
In a hallway, sensors were positioned at one, three, and five feet above the ground. The lowest level represented where a victim might be found, while the higher ones mimicked the positions of firefighters crawling or walking through the smoke.
This comprehensive approach aims to provide a clearer picture of the risks firefighters face, both on and off the fireground. The findings could lead to better protective measures and improved health protocols for emergency responders across the country.
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