High levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in vacuum cleaner dust from California fire stations

Environmental Science & Technology
Beverly ShenMyrto X Petreas

Abstract

Firefighters are exposed to chemicals during fire events and may also experience chemical exposure in their fire stations. Dust samples from used vacuum cleaner bags were collected from 20 fire stations in California and analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Median dust concentrations were higher for PBDEs (e.g., 47 000 ng/g for BDE-209) than for PAHs (e.g., 220 ng/g for benzo[a]pyrene) or PCBs (e.g., 9.3 ng/g for PCB-180). BDE-209 concentrations in dust from California fire stations were among the highest of any previously documented homes or occupational settings in the world. We examined factors such as the frequency of emergency responses, the number of fire vehicles on site, and building age, but we could not account for the high levels of BDE-209 observed in fire station dust. Based on the findings of our pilot study, we hypothesize that possible sources of BDE-209 in fire stations include contaminated ash tracked back from fire events via boots, clothing, and other equipment as well as specialized equipment treated with BDE-209, including turnout gear and fire vehicles. We suggest possi...Continue Reading

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Citations

Feb 3, 2015·Environmental Science & Technology·June-Soo ParkMyrto Petreas
May 14, 2016·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·Barbara M Alexander, C Stuart Baxter
Oct 11, 2017·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·Emily H SparerGlorian Sorensen
Nov 15, 2018·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·Alexander C MayerMark J La Guardia
Jan 8, 2020·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·Andrew P W BanksJochen F Mueller
Jun 22, 2017·Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·Kenneth W FentGavin Horn
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Andrew P W BanksJochen F Mueller
May 9, 2021·Environmental Pollution·Layla Salih Al-OmranMohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah
Jun 14, 2021·International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·Alexander C MayerAndreas Sjodin
Feb 27, 2020·Environmental Science & Technology·Jessica TrowbridgeRachel Morello-Frosch

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