Publications by authors named "Darin D Wallentine"
Article Synopsis
- Firefighters are exposed to PFAS, and this study compared PFAS serum levels in current and new recruits to track changes over time.
- 99 incumbent firefighters and 55 recruits were tested for PFAS levels in 2015-2016, with follow-ups for recruits after 20-37 months, using various analytical methods.
- Results showed that incumbents had lower PFAS levels than recruits, and most PFAS levels decreased in male recruits over time, with no connection found between firefighting exposure and PFAS levels.
Epigenetic changes may be biomarkers of health. Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), the discrepancy between epigenetic age measured via epigenetic clocks and chronological age, is associated with morbidity and mortality. However, the intersection of epigenetic clocks with microRNAs (miRNAs) and corresponding miRNA-based health implications have not been evaluated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Firefighters have occupational and environmental exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The goal of this study was to compare serum PFAS concentrations across multiple United States fire departments to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants.
Methods: Nine serum PFAS were compared in 290 firefighters from four municipal fire departments (coded A-D) and three NHANES participants matched to each firefighter on sex, ethnicity, age, and PFAS collection year.
Evaluation of fireground exposures using urinary PAH metabolites.
J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol
September 2021
Background: Firefighters have increased cancer incidence and mortality rates compared to the general population, and are exposed to multiple products of combustion including known and suspected carcinogens.
Objective: The study objective was to quantify fire response exposures by role and self-reported exposure risks.
Methods: Urinary hydroxylated metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH-OHs) were measured at baseline and 2-4 h after structural fires and post-fire surveys were collected.
Longitudinal evaluation of whole blood miRNA expression in firefighters.
J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol
September 2021
Article Synopsis
- Dysregulated microRNA (miRNA) expression may link firefighters' exposure to higher cancer risks, with the study aimed at evaluating these changes over time.
- Researchers assessed miRNA levels in 52 firefighters before and 20-37 months after live-fire training, analyzing the impact of various occupational exposure factors.
- The results indicated that specific tumor suppressive miRNAs decreased and oncogenic miRNAs increased, suggesting that shifts in miRNA expression could serve as biomarkers for cancer risk associated with firefighting.
Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of firefighter exposure reduction interventions.
Methods: Fireground interventions included use of self-contained breathing apparatus by engineers, entry team wash down, contaminated equipment isolation, and personnel showering and washing of gear upon return to station. Urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites (PAH-OHs) were measured after structural fire responses before and after intervention implementation.