Research

Carcinogenic Exposures in Native American Firefighters

Marin Robinson
NAU

Jeff Burgess
AZCC/UA

Research Statement

Co-leaders Marin Robinson at Northern Arizona University and Jeff Burgess at the University of Arizona will examine the potential carcinogens in wood smoke generated during prescribed fires of the White Mountain Apache Reservation. In Year 1 of the project (2006-2007), we will measure carcinogens (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in the particulate phase of wood smoke. Biomarkers of carcinogenic exposure will be examined in the White Mountain Apache firefighters before and after the prescribed fire, using urine, sputum, and nasal lavage samples. In subsequent years, we plan to focus on carcinogens in the gas and semivolatile phases of wood smoke. We also plan to use cell culture assays to better understand the individual and multiplicative effects of selected carcinogens in wood smoke.

Current NAU students: Xavier Nelson, Kevin Raso, Molly Aday, and Tonyel Carel

Below: Photos taken during the collection of wood smoke particulate during prescribed burns of the White Mountain Apache Reservation in November 2006