Étude de l’exposition aux fumées d’incendie des sapeurs-pompiers affectés en structure de feu contrôlé

Purpose of the study. Firefighters are exposed to fire smoke through their operational and training activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of contamination of benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a population of trainers through the analysis of urinary biological exposure indicators and atmospheric samples. Methods. A prospective and observational study was carried out in the framework of health care at work. We formed 2 groups: "exposed" with 8 firefighter trainers assigned to a controlled fire structure, and "unexposed" with 8 firefighters assigned to the medical service. With the agreement of the participants, we analyzed the urinary excretion of benzene, 1-hydroxypyrene, 3- hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene, and 1 and 2 naphthols. Four samples were taken over a week: Monday at the beginning of shift (measuring the residual concentration after two days without exposure), Monday evening (measuring the exposure of the day), Tuesday at midday (peak of excretion), and Friday at the end of shift (cumulative exposure of the week). Environmental metrology has measured the presence of volatile organic compounds (benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes), inhalable particulate fraction, and carbon monoxide for periods without self-contained breathing apparatus. Results. The values obtained were mostly lower than the biological limit values, but they increased during the week for benzene, 1-hydroxypyrene, and 3-hydroxybenzoapyrene in the exposed group versus the unexposed group. Environmental metrology showed that the occupational exposure limit values for benzene and naphthalene were not exceeded, in contrast to benzo(a)pyrene and pyrene. Conclusion. Contamination appeared weak because the values obtained were generally lower than the reference values. Cutaneous contamination was suspected due to the preferential increase of 2 naphthols. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.