Wildfire smoke and occupational health risks for workers

Wildfire smoke and exposure to fire-related contaminants present significant health risks to both the general public and emergency responders. For working-class populations, such as agricultural, construction, and delivery workers, exposure is often unavoidable due to outdoor labor or poorly ventilated environments.

Wildland firefighters face specific occupational hazards from inhaling smoke and absorbing ash, soot, and carcinogens through their skin. Research indicates that firefighters have a 58% higher risk of dying from skin cancer and a 40% higher risk of dying from kidney cancer compared to non-firefighters.

To mitigate these risks, researchers at Oklahoma State University’s Textile and Apparel Science Laboratory are developing advanced protective clothing. The goal is to create textiles that prevent chemical absorption while remaining breathable enough to prevent heat stress during long assignments.