- Title:
-
Filter Study Phase One: Preliminary report
- Date:
- December 2005
- Authors:
- Bushfire CRC; University of WA; FESA
Overview
The Filter study – phase 1 preliminary report tests the effectiveness of the protective filters on fire fighters’ masks while fighting bushfires. Phase 1 of the study involved exposure trials under controlled conditions.
The Filter Study investigates the effectiveness of the filters by means of:
- measurement of lung function and respiratory symptoms
- air sampling inside the masks to determine fire fighters’ exposure levels
- comparison of the exposure levels to Short Term Exposure Limits
- 24 particulate
- 23 particulate/organic vapour
- 17 particulate/organic vapour/formaldehyde filters
under controlled conditions demonstrated that particulate/organic vapour/formaldehyde filters provide statistically significant better protection for the fire fighters’ airways under controlled conditions.
Phase two of the Filter Study will test filters during prescribed burns and bushfires.
Related documents
Respiratory Health of Fire Fighters
This is the final report on filter safety following phase two of the trials.
Respiratory health effects of occupational exposure to bushfire smoke
This poster was presented at the AFAC CRC Conference in 2005.
