Evaluation of Pulmonary Function Tests in Working Firemen

Objective: During interventions, firemen are exposed to fire smoke. Fire smoke contains many air pollutants. Smoke exposure may increase the risk of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term occupational smoke inhalation on respiratory functions and related risk factors in working firemen.
Methods: Between February and March 2012, 523 working firemen were retrospectively evaluated within the scope of a screening program in Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital. The study included 250 firemen actively participating in a fire and a control group of 273 firemen working in the office. Detailed evaluation of the firemen included age, gender, height, weight, spirometric measurements (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEF25-75), smoking status and duration, duration of work, and comorbidities.
Results: According to the results obtained from the study, FEV1 values were significantly decreased in firemen actively participating in firefýghts compared to the low-risk group. The duration of the study did not significantly affect pulmonary functions.
Conclusion: Respiratory functions decrease in active working firefighters. Development of diseases related to exposure to smoke may be prevented by the development of more effective apparatus protecting from smoke, working in cycles in different fire types, quitting smoking, and regular annual screenings.