A review of occupational exposures to carcinogens among wildland firefighters.

Wildfires can negatively impact the health and well-being of wildland firefighters through a variety of exposure pathways. Many studies have measured acute health effects from occupational exposure to pollutants in wildfire smoke; however, research specifically examining cancer risks from exposure to carcinogens is limited. This review aimed to better understand cancer risk in this occupation by assessing the existing evidence of exposures and summarizing measured concentrations of carcinogens among wildland firefighters.

Effects of Lead and Arsenic in Soils from Former Orchards on Growth of Three Plant Species.

Historical use of lead arsenate as a pesticide in former orchards of eastern Washington State (USA) has resulted in legacy lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) soil contamination. However, the impacts on plant growth in soils with residual Pb and As contamination have not yet been quantified. To this end, a comparative study of plant growth impacts was performed for native bluegrass (Poa secunda), invasive cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), and buttercrunch lettuce (Lactuca sativa).

Nutrient Intake of Wildland Firefighters During Arduous Wildfire Suppression: Macronutrient and Micronutrient Consumption.

Unlabelled: Wildland firefighters (WLFFs) perform in adverse environments making rapid adjustments to dietary needs. The National Mobile Food Services (NMFS) contract details WLFF dietary provisions on wildfire incidents.

Objective: Determine the nutrient content of food and drink provided to and consumed by WLFFs under the NMFS contract.

Exposure to Particulate Matter and Estimation of Volatile Organic Compounds across Wildland Firefighter Job Tasks.

Wildland firefighters are exposed to smoke-containing particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) while suppressing wildfires. From 2015 to 2017, the U.S.

Carbon monoxide exposures in wildland firefighters in the United States and targets for exposure reduction.

Background: Every year thousands of wildland firefighters (WFFs) work to suppress wildfires to protect public safety, health, and property. Although much effort has been put toward mitigating air pollutant exposures for the public and WFFs, the current burden in this worker population is unclear as are the most effective exposure reduction strategies.

Objective: Quantify fireline carbon monoxide (CO) exposures in WFFs and identify predictors of exposures.

Evaluation of Environmental Conditions on Self-Selected Work and Heat Stress in Wildland Firefighting.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate heat stress occurring in wildfire management activities with variable environmental conditions.

Methods: Direct observation and real-time wireless physiological monitoring allowed for weather and physiological metrics, including heart rate, core temperature (T), skin temperature, and physiological strain index (PSI), of male (n=193) and female (n=28) wildland firefighters (WLFFs) to be recorded during wildfire management activities. Accelerometry data were used to categorize intensity level of activity.

Total Energy Intake and Self-Selected Macronutrient Distribution During Wildland Fire Suppression.

Introduction: Wildland firefighters (WLFF) work long hours in extreme environments, resulting in high daily total energy expenditure. Increasing work-shift eating episodes and/or providing rations that promote convenient eating has shown augmented self-selected work output, as has regular carbohydrate (CHO) consumption. It remains unclear how current WLFF feeding strategies compare to more frequent nutrient delivery.

Risk for heat-related illness among wildland firefighters: job tasks and core body temperature change.

Objectives: In order to make recommendations to protect wildland firefighters (WLFFs) from heat-related illness, the role physical exertion plays on core body temperature (Tc) in the work environment needs to be considered. We aimed to estimate the association of time-varying job tasks with differing exertion levels on change in Tc, among WLFFs engaged in fire management activities, while controlling for ambient conditions and individual characteristics. In addition, we examined whether duration of tasks modified the relationship between task and change in Tc.

Bt Proteins Exacerbate Negative Growth Effects in Juvenile Rusty (F. rusticus) Crayfish Fed Corn Diet.

The adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops has occurred rapidly in the United States. The transfer of GM corn byproducts from agricultural fields to nearby streams after harvest is significant and occurs well into the post-harvest year. These corn leaves, stems, and cobs then become a detrital food source for organisms, such as shredders in the stream ecosystem.

The general surgery workforce shortage is worse when assessed at county level.

Background: Multiple studies have documented a significant decrease in the general surgery workforce in the United States, both rural and urban, for the past 3 decades. This 11-year study evaluates the Texas general surgery workforce at both the state and local level in 2002 and 2012.

Methods: Data were obtained from the Texas Medical Board, the United States Census Bureau/Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and the Texas Department of State Health Services for 2002 and 2012.

Tort reform is associated with significant increases in Texas physicians relative to the Texas population.

Introduction: Texas implemented comprehensive tort reform in 2003. We hypothesized that tort reform was followed by a significant increase of physicians practicing in Texas.

Methods: To test this hypothesis, we compared the rate of physician growth prior to and following tort reform, and the number of licensed physicians and physicians per 100,000.