Assessment of phthalate exposure at a fire site in Korean firefighters

To determine phthalate exposure in 32 firefighters, the concentrations of urinary phthalate metabolites, immediately (exposure day) and three weeks (control day) after fire suppression, were compared. Mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate, mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate, mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), mono-n-benzyl phthalate (MBzP), and total phthalates ( n-ary sumation phthalates) levels, and creatinine-adjusted levels of MBP, MBzP, and n-ary sumation phthalates were significantly higher on exposure day than on control day. Phthalate concentration was significantly higher in firefighters who performed the fire extinguishing tasks (geometric mean [GM], 149.9 & mu;g/L) than in those who performed other tasks (GM 70.8 & mu;g/L) (p = .012). The GM concentration of firefighters who were active & LE; 50 m from the fire was 119.0 & mu;g/L, and 37.6 & mu;g/L for those who were > 50 m away (p = .012). The GM concentration was significantly different (p = .039) in firefighters with subjective symptoms after fire suppression (151.9 & mu;g/L) compared to those without symptoms (81.6 & mu;g/L). This study showed that firefighters were exposed to phthalate.

Automated summary

In this study, the researchers investigated phthalate exposure in 32 firefighters by comparing the concentrations of urinary phthalate metabolites immediately and three weeks after fire suppression. The results showed significantly higher levels of phthalate metabolites on the exposure day compared to the control day. Firefighters involved in fire extinguishing tasks had higher phthalate concentrations, and those closer to the fire had higher concentrations as well. Firefighters with subjective symptoms after fire suppression also had higher phthalate concentrations. This study demonstrated that firefighters are exposed to phthalates.