PhD research by Natural Hazards Research Australia (the Centre) postgraduate scholarship students highlight the effects of smoke on the human body.
Suki Jaiswal from the University of Sydney found that Australian firefighters frequently experience eye irritation from smoke exposure, which can affect operational capabilities.
Suki’s survey of 337 firefighters across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia found 90% of firefighters experienced eye irritation during work and for 70% this continued after work. Eye irritation was also greater in female firefighters.
Of the 67% of firefighters who often or always used protective eyewear, 55 % reported having to remove it due to sweat, fogging or another reason.
Some firefighters reported that eye symptoms following smoke exposure necessitated eye closure on the fireground thus impairing vision and while protective eyewear helped reduce eye symptoms, consistent use was difficult.
In another study, Suki found that despite habitual use of protective eyewear, eye surface damage can occur in firefighters working at controlled burns.
A follow up Centre project will explore ways to aid recovery and mitigate the impact of smoke on the eye, engaging with firefighters around Australia to better understand how effective current eyecare guidelines are and whether there are other ways to better protect the eye surface from smoke-induced damage.
Kiam Padamsey from Edith Cowan University found significant knowledge gaps among volunteer Western Australian (WA) firefighters regarding bushfire smoke hazards, as well as forestry firefighters’ lack access to P3 breathing protection, appropriate laundering, or decontamination facilities, raising concerns about their health and safety.
Exposure studies showed high levels of particulate matter (PM10) and volatile organic compounds during bushfires and prescribed burns, emphasising the need for P3 masks.
Specific environmental factors such as acid-sulphate (peat) fires and the smouldering phase of fires were linked to higher concentrations of harmful chemicals. Additionally, off-gassing from firefighting tunics post-exposure was identified as a potential secondary exposure risk.
As a direct result of this research, over 700 WA forestry firefighters are now equipped with P3 masks. Recommendations include the prohibition of home laundering of PPE and the establishment of workplace decontamination facilities.
Future research should evaluate cleaning protocols and implement health monitoring programs for the 200,000 active firefighters, addressing the neglect of this population.