Influence of short-term exposures to air pollution on physical fitness, respiratory volumes, and some blood factors in firefighters

There is a lack of research investigating about the influence of air pollution on firefighters work tasks. Then the aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of exposures to air pollution on physical fitness, respiratory volumes and some blood factors in firefighters. A total of 28 healthy and working men in firefighters station in south Pars special energy economic zone (Pars Jonoubi) located in Assaluyeh with average 30.2±4.2 years, height 177.6±6.2 cm, and weight 80.82±12.5 kg were chosen as subjects. Their working schedule was 14 days being constantly at working station and seven days of rest. Hose drill, VO2max, spirometric measurements and blood sample was taken in two stages in first and 14th days of their settlement in working station. Finding showed that VO2max and FEV1 had significantly increased in 14th day in comparison with the 1st day. While the changes in FVC, Hose drill time, hemoglobin, hematocrit and WBC were not significant in day 14th comparing with 1st day. We concluded that initial exposure to air pollution can decrease physical fitness and respiratory volumes of firefighters that can be adapted after a few days settlement in polluted environment.