@article {BF-2414,
	title = {Australian firefighters{\textquoteright} exposure to air toxics during bushfire burns of autumn 2005 and 2006},
	journal = {Environment International},
	volume = {35},
	year = {2009},
	month = {02/2009},
	pages = {342 - 352},
	abstract = {Bushfire fighting is a hazardous occupation and control strategies are generally in place to minimize the hazards. However, little is known regarding firefighters{\textquoteright} exposure to bushfire smoke, which is a complex mixture of toxic gases and particles. In Australia, during the prescribed burning season, firefighters are likely to be exposed on a regular basis to bushfire smoke, but whether these exposures affect health has yet to be determined. There are a number of factors that govern whether exposure to smoke will result in short-term and/or long-term health problems, including the concentrations of air pollutants within the breathing zone of the firefighter, the exposure duration, and health susceptibility of the individual, especially for pre-existing lung or heart disease.

This paper presents measurements of firefighters{\textquoteright} personal exposure to bushfire smoke, the first step within a risk management framework. It provides crucial information on the magnitude, extent and frequency of personal exposure to bushfire smoke for a range of typical scenarios. It is found that the primary air toxics of concern are carbon monoxide (CO), respirable particles and formaldehyde. Also, work activity is a major factor influencing exposure with exposure standards (both average and short-term limits) likely to be exceeded for activities such as suppression of spot fires, holding the fireline, and patrolling at the edge of a burn area in the urban{\textendash}rural interface.},
	doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2008.08.011},
	author = {Reisen, Fabienne and Brown, SK}
}
