Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 84-484-1754, Detroit Fire Fighters, Detroit, Michigan

Technical Report · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:6334270

Anderson, K E; Melius, J M

In response to a request from the International Association of Fire Fighters on behalf of the Detroit Fire Fighters Association, Detroit, Michigan, a health hazard evaluation was made of respiratory symptoms and skin irritation in fire fighters involved in a large fire and explosion at a warehouse. Over 200 fire fighters from fire-fighting organizations in three communities were involved in the incident. Site runoff water contained chlordane and malathion in low parts per million; other samples were negative. Nose and throat irritation, cough, and shortness of breath were experienced by a large proportion of fire fighters following the fire, and in 14, 15, and 17 percent, respectively, symptoms persisted over 2 months. Symptoms were significantly associated with time spent at the scene and time spent in heavy smoke. Pulmonary function tests were abnormal in 14 cases, ten due to obstructive lung disease, three to restrictive lung disease, and one to a combination. The authors conclude that better protective equipment is needed for fire fighters at chemical fires. Recommendations include development of a hazardous-materials response team, and implementation of a routine medical surveillance program.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6334270
• Report Number(s): PB-87-188785/XAB; HETA-84-484-1754
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
AIR POLLUTION
CARBOXYLIC ACID ESTERS
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
CLOTHING
DISEASES
ESTERS
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRES
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INDUSTRY
INSECTICIDES
INSPECTION
MALATHION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC SULFUR COMPOUNDS
PESTICIDES
POLLUTION
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
RESPIRATION
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
STORAGE FACILITIES
THIOLS
TOXICITY