Smoke complexity, skin absorption and protective equipment in firefighter safety

To address health and safety questions raised by Australian firefighters, researchers have conducted a comprehensive overview of the science behind bushfire smoke exposure.

Firefighter feedback in the aftermath of the 2019–2020 Black Summer and recommendations made by the coronial inquest into those bushfires has informed Australian research — including from the University of Wollongong (UOW) — intended to bridge the gap between scientific findings and the practical information needed by those on the frontline.

Published open access (doi.org/10.1071/WF25138) in the International Journal of Wildland Fire, the researchers synthesised global research on exposure pathways (including inhalation and skin absorption), smoke composition, toxicity, and the effectiveness of protective equipment and decontamination procedures.

“Firefighters operate in incredibly complex environments and face hazards from smoke that are often invisible,” said lead author Dr Max Desservettaz, from UOW’s Environmental Futures. “This review was driven by their need for clear, evidence-based answers to specific questions about the risks they encounter, from the toxicity of different smoke types to how contaminants interact with their gear and skin.”

Dr Max Desservettaz. Image credit: Michael Gray.

Consolidating the evidence on health hazards faced by firefighters, the review highlights that bushfire smoke is a dangerous cocktail of fine particles, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, benzene and formaldehyde, and a variety of carcinogens. Found to be remarkably potent in toxicological studies was the smoke produced from Australia’s native vegetation, particularly eucalypts.

In addition to the risks of breathing smoke, skin can also act as an entry point for toxic chemicals. Heavy sweating — under the intense heat and physical exertion of firefighting — can make the skin more permeable, drawing harmful compounds from soot into the body. As the review stresses, this pathway deserves more attention in safety protocols.

While personal protective equipment remains essential, it has limitations. N95 or P2 masks are among standard wildland firefighting gear and provide protection against particles, but none against toxic gases. Fit-testing respirators is therefore critical, as is thorough decontamination practices. Prompt washing of gear and skin after exposure, particularly using wet-soap cleaning methods, was found by the study to greatly reduce the risk of chemical contaminants entering the body.

While there is considerable global research available, Desservettaz said ensuring this knowledge is accessible and actionable for firefighters is crucial; ongoing collaboration between researchers and fire agencies to develop practical guidelines, explore new monitoring tools, and ensure safety protocols reflects the latest science being called for in the study.

“A key goal now is effective communication. We found crucial knowledge often isn’t reaching the frontline, where it can make a difference,” Desservettaz said. “Fighting bushfires requires immense skill and bravery. Supporting firefighter health means ensuring they have the best available information to manage the risks inherent in protecting our communities. This review is a step towards that.”

Through the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council, the researchers are now working with national partners to translate their findings into accessible educational materials for firefighters and fire agencies across the country.

Top image credit: iStock.com/Margot Kiesskalt. Stock image used is for illustrative purposes only.