Abstract
An increase in the severity of global wildfires necessitates examination of the associated health risks, particularly in wildfire personnel. Exposure to particulate matter from smoke (PM(2.5)), soil/dust, and ash (PM(4)) and other wildfire-associated pollutants (carbon monoxide) have previously been linked to acute cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunction. Despite mounting epidemiological evidence of cardiorespiratory-related morbidity and mortality related to wildfire suppression exposures, the chronic effects (>1 year) of wildland firefighting on the pathophysiological progression of cardiorespiratory disease in this vulnerable group remain largely uncharacterized. Thus, a repeated-measures study with open recruitment over 3-years was designed in partnership with the University of British Columbia Okanagan and the British Columbia Wildfire Service (BCWS) to address gaps in wildland firefighter (WFF) health research. The primary aims of the CardioRespiratory Effects of Wildfire Suppression (CREWS) Study are to: 1) Examine the chronic effect(s) of wildfire suppression on selected aspects of vascular and respiratory health in BCWS WFFs, 2) Examine cardiorespiratory effect(s) of acute (e.g., cross-shift) wildfire suppression, and 3) Identify mechanisms contributing to the progression of wildfire-associated cardiorespiratory dysfunction in WFFs. To address these aims, as detailed in this overview, selected clinical and subclinical cardiorespiratory measures, circulating and airway-specific inflammatory biomarkers, heavy metal exposure, and personal air sampling methods to detect wildfire smoke, dust, and ash exposure will be employed across three consecutive wildfire seasons in the same cohort of BCWS WFFs. The findings from this study will provide new insight into the short and long-term impact of wildland firefighting on cardiorespiratory health. This information will inform guidelines and development of future mitigation strategies to improve long-term health and safety in WFFs.