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Evaluation of the Effect of an Exhaust Reduction System in Fire Stations

Author

Listed:
  • Soo Jin Kim

    (Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
    Fire Science Research Center, Seoul Metropolitan Fire Service Academy, Seoul 03312, Korea)

  • Jihyun Kang

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21565, Korea)

  • Seong-Kyu Kang

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21565, Korea)

  • Seunghon Ham

    (Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21565, Korea)

Abstract

Firefighters are known to be exposed to a variety of hazardous materials and combustion products during operational and training activities, as well as in fire stations. However, exposure to diesel exhaust emissions, classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is also present in the fire station environment. In this study, concentrations of elemental carbon (EC), which is a surrogate of diesel exhaust and indoor air pollutants, has been measured to compare the effect of an exhaust reduction system (ERS) that was installed in the engine bays of two fire stations to mitigate indoor air pollution levels in the garage, duty offices, and dormitory/shower areas. The levels of most pollutants were reduced after the installation of the ERS. Pollutants may disperse inside of fire stations. Therefore, the ERS is a valuable strategy to mitigate pollutant exposure among firefighters and outdoor air pollution using the filtration ability of an ERS. The results of this study suggest that all truck bays should install an ERS to reduce pollutant exposure and that installation is especially necessary for EURO 3 fire vehicles.

Suggested Citation

  • Soo Jin Kim & Jihyun Kang & Seong-Kyu Kang & Seunghon Ham, 2019. "Evaluation of the Effect of an Exhaust Reduction System in Fire Stations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:22:p:6358-:d:286261
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    Cited by:

    1. Hye Eun Oh & Soo Jin Kim & Hyekyung Woo & Seunghon Ham, 2022. "Associations between Awareness of the Risk of Exposure to Pollutants Occurring at Fire Scenes and Health Beliefs among Metropolitan Firefighters in the Republic of Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-16, July.

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