Work

Measured Pulmonary and Systemic Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Following Wildland Firefighter Simulations

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: A controlled human exposure study was conducted to investigate the impact of inhalational exposures to wood smoke PM2.5 on measured concentrations of airway and systemic inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS: Mimicking wildland firefighter activities, 10 participants were exposed to three doses of wood smoke PM2.5 (filtered-air, 250 μg/m, and 500 μg/m) while exercising on a treadmill. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and blood plasma samples were obtained pre-, immediately post-, and 1-hour postexposure. 8-isoprostane, pH, and myeloperoxidase were measured in EBC, while H2O2, surfactant protein D, and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) were measured in both EBC and plasma. RESULTS: Only pH, 8-isoprostane, and PTX3 displayed significant changes when comparing pre- and postexposures. CONCLUSIONS: Markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, including PTX3, pH, and 8-isoprostane in EBC and/or plasma, are sensitive to wood smoke inhalation, with further investigations warranted.

Source: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000688

Authors: Matthew D. Ferguson, Erin O. Semmens, Charles Dumke, John C. Quindry, Tony J. Ward

Institutions: University of Montana, Auburn University

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of General Medical Sciences