Respiratory Tract and Eye Symptoms in Wildland Firefighters in Two Canadian Provinces: Impact of Discretionary Use of an N95 Mask during Successive Rotations

Nicola Cherry (), Natasha Broznitsky, Mike Fedun and Tanis Zadunayski
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Nicola Cherry: Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AL T6G 2T4, Canada
Natasha Broznitsky: BC Wildfire Service, Ministry of Forests, Victoria, BC V8T 5J9, Canada
Mike Fedun: Alberta Wildfire Service, Agriculture and Forestry Alberta, Edmonton, AL T5S 1L3, Canada
Tanis Zadunayski: Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AL T6G 2T4, Canada

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 20, 1-12

Abstract: We examined whether discretionary use of an N95 mask reduced symptom reporting in wildland firefighters. The study collected data from two Canadian provinces during the 2021 fire season, with each firefighter followed for up to 4 rotations. Participants completed questionnaires on symptoms at the start and end of each rotation, when they reported also on mask use (if any) and completed a task checklist. Eighty firefighters contributed data. Nineteen firefighters were successfully fit-tested for N95 masks to wear whenever they felt conditions justified. Start-of-rotation symptoms reflected total hours firefighting in 2021. Symptoms of eye, nose and throat irritation and cough were more bothersome at the end of rotation. Cough, throat and nose (but not eye) symptoms were reported as significantly less bothersome at the end of rotation by those allocated masks, having allowed for crew type and start-of-rotation symptoms. Among those allocated a mask, use was most frequent during initial attack and least during driving and patrol. Reasons for not wearing included high work difficulty and low comfort. It is concluded that symptoms in wildland firefighters increased with hours of exposure. While provision of an N95 mask reduced symptoms, work is needed to overcome barriers to respiratory protection

Keywords: wildland firefighters; respiratory symptoms; respiratory protection; N95 masks; intervention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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