Environmental health hazards and wildland firefighting: A qualitative analysis

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Wildland firefighters were aware of commonly identified hazards of their work, including smoke exposure, heat, and “human factors” such as fatigue and diet. Firefighters experience additional hazards that are rarely discussed. Routine but generally unacknowledged hazards include non-vegetation smoke, dust, chemicals in gear and equipment, and fuels and exhaust. Incident- and location-specific hazards include food and water quality concerns, hazards in government housing, and military, radiation, industrial, and mining hazards. Addressing these hazards is challenging because of both practical and cultural barriers.