Description

In summary, the toxicological and epidemiological evidence of adverse effects for those with chronic exposure to smoke is troubling, especially so for those with preexisting cardiovascular health conditions. What the research means for healthy workers is less clear. It seems that minor decrements in lung function may be at least partially reversible after periods of recovery (no exposure). Although it may be that many people would not perceive a 1-12% loss in certain lung function measures such as FEV1, others, such as those with compounding preexisting conditions, competitive sport aspirations, or simply a commitment to personal health, may not be willing or able to accept or endure such losses due to their occupational working conditions.The major deliverable of this review is envisioned to be used as inputs to a model intended to develop a set of risk-based exposure criteria specific to wildland fire smoke. We have already assembled a very large set of published literature related to human health and air pollution, as it specifically relates to wildland fire smoke toxicity. Our existing literature will be summarized and updated with the generally-available current scientific and government literature on the following subjects.