Haze Disaster in South East Asia: An Urgent Study on the Effect of Dioxins to the Firefighters
Journal Title: Annals of Environmental Science and Toxicology - Year 2017, Vol 2, Issue 1
Abstract
Firefighters may be exposed to a wide variety of toxic chemicals in their line of work, including volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), metals, and various combustion by-products [1-4]. Such exposures can occur through inhalation and skin contact, although advances in personal protection (e.g. clothing and breathing apparatus) have apparently reduced such risks in recent years. However, the major concern during fires is the potential formation of large amounts of harmful by-products such as chlorinated and brominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs and PBDD/Fs) [5,6] and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) [7]. All of these contaminants belong to the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and highly toxic substances that cause adverse effects on humans and ecosystem. Their toxic responses include immunotoxicity, carcinogenicity and several endocrine effects related to reproduction [8].
Authors and Affiliations
Leong Yin-Hui, Mohd Samin Ahmad Shalihin, Abdul Majid Mohamed Isa
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