Abstract

FERNANDEZ-RODRIGUEZ, M. et al. Personal protective equipment's contamination and risk of prostate and testes cancer, in firefighters. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2016, vol.62, n.244, pp.241-262. ISSN 1989-7790.

Background: Firefighters, in the exercise of their work, are exposed to acute and chronically hazardous substances that pose a health risk; these substances (some classified as carcinogenic) are present in the scene extinguishing the fire and out of this. Personal protective equipment (PPE), have evolved in order to minimize damage. In this paper, we review the actual evidence about contamination through EP and if firefighters are in risk about prostate and testis cancer. Objectives: To know the involvement of PPE as an additional source of pollution in fire. To see the association with testicular cancer and prostate cancer. Methods: Research in PubMed, Toxnet, Scopus and OSH Update, Google scholar and institutional websites; we collect 20 articles (11 and 9 related to exposure testicular cancer and prostate). Results: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some carcinogens, adhering to the EP. Testicular and prostate cancer had a statistically significant association in studies 4 and 5 respectively that assessed incidence and mortality; this included a meta-analysis. Conclusions: It seems that there's contamination through PPE, as some substances released as a gas, by dermal contamination or by creation of toxic microenvironment between suit and skin. Different substances released during or after the fire stick to the EP, creating a "toxic microenvironment" between the suit and the skin, promoting systemic absorption. We found statistically significant association to prostate and testicular cancer.

Keywords : Firefighters; testicular neoplasms; prostatic neoplasms; protective clothing; occupational exposure.

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