NIOSH developing hazard review document on wildfire smoke

Washington — NIOSH is developing a hazard review document on wildfire smoke and is asking for help identifying approaches for assessing and controlling associated hazards.

“Wildland fire smoke is a complex mixture of potentially toxic gases and particles that can vary depending on factors in the wildland or wildland urban interface environment, such as weather, fire behavior, and the type of materials or vegetation burning,” the agency says in a Request for Information. “Because of this, outdoor workers may be exposed to varying types and amounts of compounds in wildland fire smoke throughout their work shift or during different fire events and job tasks.”

In particular, NIOSH is seeking information related to:

• Properties and characteristics of wildland fire smoke mixtures
• Potential for occupational exposure to outdoor workers
• Health effects of exposure
• Outdoor worker populations at risk
• Exposure monitoring
• Risk management and control
• Research needs

Comments are due May 13.