Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
First Supervisor
Jacques Oosthuizen
Second Supervisor
Ruth Wallace
Third Supervisor
Adelle Liebenberg
Abstract
Background: In Western Australia, bushfires (wildfires) pose a persistent health risk to both volunteer and career forestry firefighters, populations that have been historically understudied. Recent changes to the classification of wildland firefighting as a carcinogenic occupation by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, (IARC) and findings from the Bushfire Royal Commission have sparked research interest from authorities to establish a deeper understanding of the health risks posed to firefighters. This research aimed to investigate these possible risks to wildland firefighters from an occupational hygiene perspective.
Methods: This thesis consisted of five studies:
- Pilot Study: This trial utilised current and novel occupational hygiene methods to determine practicability of exposure monitoring in the bushfire context. It also served as a learning and reflection opportunity for the researcher, particularly in, both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.
- Qualitative Investigation: This study explored firefighters' understanding of workplace exposures and their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) wearing behaviours through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis.
- Personal Exposure Study: This research investigated firefighters' personal exposures to airborne particulate matter and inorganic gases, and also investigated body burden of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Methods included using portable gas monitors, novel real-time PM monitors, and urine analysis.
- Chemical Speciation of Bushfire Smoke: FTIR analysis was used at the fire front to investigate whether vegetation patterns, phases of fire, and soil types affect chemical emissions.
- Off-gassing Analysis: This study examined the off-gassing process of the firefighting tunic after exposure to bushfire smoke using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis.
Findings: Volunteer firefighters were found to have a poor understanding of the risks of bushfire smoke. Forestry firefighters lacked access to P3 classed breathing protection, laundering, or decontamination facilities and were concerned for their health and safety. Firefighters at bushfires and prescribed burns are exposed to high concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM), particularly PM10 and VOCs, necessitating P3 breathing protection. Acid-sulphate (peat) fires emit different concentrations of chemicals compared to other fires. The smouldering phase of a fire may emit more harmful chemicals than the flaming phase. Clear air near bushfires is not free of chemicals. The firefighting tunic undergoes a process of off-gassing post-fire and may be a potential secondary exposure source if not properly isolated.
Conclusion: The findings of this research were immediately communicated to responsible agencies. Forestry firefighters (over 700 in WA) are now being issued P3 masks before the bushfire season due to this research. Showering and laundering facilities need to be provided to forestry firefighters in their workplace, home laundering of PPE should be prohibited.
Future research should investigate the effectiveness of cleaning protocols to remove contaminants from clothing and the body. Additionally, a health monitoring program should be established to track the health of over 200,000 active wildland firefighters, who are currently neglected compared to their career counterparts.
DOI
10.25958/eck1-az68
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 10th January 2026
Recommended Citation
Padamsey, K. (2024). Workplace exposures of wildland firefighters in Western Australia - Novel insights and real-world impact. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/eck1-az68