A field investigation of 3 masks proposed as respiratory protection for wildland firefighters: a randomized controlled trial in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Broznitsky Natasha , Shum Mona , Kinniburgh David , Lichty Drew , Tiu Sylvia , Toic Taryn , Zadunayski Tanis , Cherry Nicola 
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Wildland firefighters are exposed through the lungs and skin to particulate matter, fumes, and vapors containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Wearing respiratory protection should reduce pulmonary exposure, but there is uncertainty about the most effective and acceptable type of mask.

Methods

Firefighters from 6 unit crews working with the British Columbia Wildfire Service were approached and those consenting were randomly allocated within each crew to a “no mask” control group or to use 1 of 3 types of masks: X, half-face respirator with P100/multi gas cartridge; Y, cloth with alpaca filter; Z mesh fabric with a carbon filter. Crews were followed for 3 consecutive firefighting days. The mask allocated was constant for each firefighter throughout. All participants completed a brief questionnaire at the start and end of each day, giving information on mask use, respiratory symptoms, and assessment of mask qualities. Spot urine samples were collected pre and post shift to assess 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP) concentration as an indicator of total PAH absorption. Skin wipe samples from the hands and throat were collected pre and post shift and analyzed for PAH concentration. On each day monitored, 4 participants carried sampling pumps to measure total particulates and PAHs on particles and in vapor phase. The primary outcome was the concentration of urinary 1-HP at the end of the fire day. Secondary outcomes were changes in respiratory and eye symptoms during the course of the shift, reported mask use, and perception of mask qualities. The analysis used a 3-level random intercept regression model that clustered observations within individuals and crews. We aimed to detect any relation of allocated mask type to the 4 outcomes, having allowed for estimated exposure.

Results

Information was collected from 89 firefighters, including 14 women: 49% (37/75) of male firefighters were bearded. Nineteen fire days were monitored for a total of 263 firefighter × days, 64 to 68 for each intervention group. The end of shift 1-HP was higher than the start of the shift. Urinary 1-HP was more strongly related to PAHs on the skin than in the breathing zone. Men with beards had higher end-of-shift urinary log 1-HP/creat (ng/g) than other firefighters. None of the groups allocated a mask had lower 1-HP than the no-mask group, either in the study group overall or when stratified by beard-wearing. Among those without either beards or a failed fit-test, Mask Z reduced at the end of shift 1-HP where airborne PAH concentration was high. End-of-shift symptoms were related to particle mass in the breathing zone but was not mitigated by any of the masks. Hours electing not to wear a mask increased from the first to third shift for all mask types. Mask Z was rated as more comfortable than other types. Mask X was rated highest on fit and perceived protection. Mask Y gained the lowest ratings on fit, comfort and feelings of protection.

Conclusions

Allocated masks did not provide protection overall, but the results highlighted the need for a wider understanding of the circumstances in which wearing efficient protection is well-advised.