“The use of ‘Smoke Soap’ has removed between 80% and 99.4% of individual PAHs.”
Reduction of individual pah using smoke soap
SMOKE SOAP has an
88%
Reduction in overall PAH
Occupational Exposure Research
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The Australian Work Exposures Study (AWES) was a national survey conducted by the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research (WAIMR) in 2011–12 that investigated work-related exposures among Australian workers to 38 known or suspected carcinogens.
Some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are classified as a known or suspected human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the work described in this report prepared by Elmatom Pty Ltd uses AWES data to:
estimate the prevalence of work-related exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during relatively common workplace activities
identify the main circumstances of those exposures, and
identify the use of workplace control measures designed to decrease those exposures.
This report describes those exposures that occur when typical work activities are carried out by Australian workers—it does not specifically focus on industries suspected of high exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
This report has been written to inform public debate and the development of work health and safety policy.
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A groundbreaking study conducted in 2021 on 242 firefighters in Tucson, AZ, reveals critical insights into the health risks associated with fireground exposures. The research demonstrates a direct correlation between the lingering smoke odor on skin after firefighting and a staggering 46% increase in post-incident urinary Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) levels. This means that even after you shower, the persistent smoky odor can signify a significant accumulation of PAH toxins within your body.
If you’re still detecting smoke after your shower, it’s clear that your soap may not be sufficient to remove these harmful contaminants.
Hoppe-Jones C, Griffin SC, Gulotta JJ, et al. Evaluation of fireground exposures using urinary PAH metabolites. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2021 Sep;31(5):913-922. doi: 10.1038/s41370-021-00311-x.
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This study investigates the effectiveness of turnout gear in protecting firefighters from dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other aromatic hydrocarbons during controlled structure burns. Key findings include:
The research involved two rounds of controlled burns with five firefighters per burn, who wore either new or laundered turnout gear tested for PAH contamination prior to each burn.
To isolate dermal exposure, firefighters wore self-contained breathing apparatuses until overhaul was completed and remained at a safe distance from the burn site.
Urine and exhaled breath samples were collected pre- and post-exposure, alongside personal air and skin wipe samples from various body sites.
Results indicated significantly elevated breath concentrations of benzene (P < 0.05) and increased PAH levels on the neck post-exposure, particularly in the first round.
Positive correlations were found between external exposures (personal air concentrations of PAHs) and biomarkers (changes in urinary PAH metabolite levels and breath concentrations of benzene).
The findings suggest that even with full protective gear, firefighters absorbed combustion products, primarily through skin contact, with the neck identified as the main site of exposure due to reduced protection from hoods.
Fent KW, Eisenberg J, Snawder J, Sammons D, Pleil JD, Stiegel MA, Mueller C, Horn GP, Dalton J. Systemic exposure to PAHs and benzene in firefighters suppressing controlled structure fires. Ann Occup Hyg. 2014 Aug;58(7):830-45. doi: 10.1093/annhyg/meu036. Epub 2014 Jun 6. PMID: 24906357; PMCID: PMC4124999.
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This research aimed to determine if children of career firefighters in Kitsap County have higher cancer rates compared to the general population.
The study found that while the national probability of a child being diagnosed with cancer is 0.0179%, children of Kitsap County firefighters have a 0.49% chance, making their risk 27.4 times higher. To address this increased risk, the study recommends establishing a countywide wellness task force, implementing training programs, and developing policies to reduce exposure.
Ronald E. Powers, South Kitsap Fire Rescue, Port Orchard Washington, 2020
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This video demonstrates processes of cross-contamination from bunker gear to individuals, equipment, the fire station, personal vehicles, and even family members. This video has been evaluated and has been shown to be effective at increasing intentions to engage in decontamination processes after a fire, including showering, routine cleaning of gear, bagging gear before transport, and using wipes on scene.