Environmental Science & Technology
Nontarget Analysis of the Volatile and Semivolatile Chemical Profile of Wildland Firefighter Gear: Insight into Occupational Exposure and Health Implications
Abstract Prescribed fire releases a complex mixture of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds to the environment. Firefighters are directly exposed to these hazardous mixtures through occupational activities. This study investigated the volatile and semivolatile chemical contamination profile of firefighter protective gear and the effectiveness of laundering as a decontamination strategy. Our results revealed that firefighter gear accumulated a broad spectrum of combustion-derived contaminants, predominantly c …