Urinary biohazard markers in firefighters

Firefighters are the professional force at high risk of suffering potential health consequences due to their chronic exposure to numerous hazardous pollutants during firefighting activities. Unfortunately, determination of fire emission exposure is very challenging. As such, the identification and development of appropriate biomarkers is critical in meeting this need. This chapter presents a critical review of current information related with the use of different urinary biomarkers of effect and exposure in occupationally exposed firefighters over the last 25 years. Evidence suggests that urinary isoprostanes and mutagenicity testing are promising biomarkers of early oxidative stress. Data indicate that firefighters participating in firefighting activities present with increased urinary biomarkers of exposure. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and metalloids, organo-chlorine and -phosphorus compounds, environmental phenols, phthalates, benzene and toluene. More studies are urgently needed to better evaluate firefighter occupational safety and health and to support the implementation of preventive measures and mitigation strategies to promote the protection of this chronically exposed group of workers.