The Anchor Point Podcast

Dr. Kathleen Navarro is a research industrial hygienist at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and former Redmond Hotshot who has focused her research into the risks of wildland fire smoke and its effect on cancer development, cardiovascular disease, and COVID complications...

Show Notes

Dr. Kathleen Navarro is a research industrial hygienist at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Her research focuses on characterizing firefighter’s exposure to chemicals from smoke, understand pathways of exposures, and developing practices to reduce exposure. Previously, she worked for the US Forest Service and conducted research quantifying exposure to smoke for the public and wildland firefighters and estimating risk of mortality for lung cancer and cardiovascular disease for wildland firefighters. To complete her research, she became qualified as a wildland firefighter and spent last fire season as a crewmember on the Redmond Hotshots.

Her work can be found here:

Risk assessment study - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30981117/

Summary of results: Across all exposure scenarios and career durations, the calculated risk for LC and CVD was greater than one, indicating an increased risk of mortality from LC and CVD from PM.  Here are interpretations of the risk estimates that were calculated:
 
  • Firefighters working a short fire season (48 days) for 5 years have an 8% increase in risk of LC and 16% increase in risk of CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) mortality.
  • Firefighters working a long fire season for 25 years have an 43% increase in risk of LC and 30% increase in risk of CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) mortality
 
Oh, how could I forget? All this particulate matter and smoke has a HUGE impact on susceptibility and severity to COVID. Check out the following guidance from the CDC:

These are being updated with a smoke question - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/wildland-firefighters-faq.html
 
Here is a new link for the FMB guidance regarding COVID from the NWCG - https://www.nwcg.gov/partners/fmb/covid-19#PM
 
Additional resources:

To better understand the link between on-the-job exposure to toxicants and cancer, Congress directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)external icon to create the National Firefighter Registry (NFR).

The NFR will be used to track and analyze cancer trends and risk factors among the U.S. fire service to help the public safety community, researchers, scientists and medical professionals find better ways to protect those who protect our communities and environment.

All firefighters—structural and wildland, career and volunteer, active and retired—should consider participating in the NFR. This includes firefighters who have never received a cancer diagnosis, previously had cancer, or currently have cancer. Follow the link below to register:

NIOSH Firefighter Cancer Registry: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/registry.html

Here are some other useful links:

Explanation of Hierarchy of Controls: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/default.html
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gqTbJSQL_U
NIOSH Instagram: @Nioshusa
CDC Instagram: @CDC



Stay safe, stay savage, and enjoy!



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Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
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Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

What is The Anchor Point Podcast?

Discover the premier and original podcast dedicated to wildland firefighting, the vibrant culture surrounding wildland firefighters, firefighter mental health and physical performance, and the wilderness - The Anchor Point Podcast... Join our global community as we delve into the captivating stories of Wildland Firefighters, shed light on career opportunities, promote fire prevention awareness, educate the public, and openly discuss the mental health struggles and triumphs faced by firefighters on and off duty. Immerse yourself in our unscripted and unedited long-form interviews, where we leave no topic unexplored.

With The Anchor Point Podcast, you'll gain free and exclusive access to firsthand experiences shared by wildland firefighters, industry experts, mental health clinicians, physical performance professionals, doctors, scientists, and the families of fire line operators. Our episodes encapsulate the entire spectrum of emotions, from the extraordinary and awe-inspiring moments to the challenging and humorous anecdotes that arise within the industry.

One of our podcast's core focuses lies in unraveling the physical and mental demands encountered while working in the field. We delve into topics such as proper nutrition and hydration, stress management, relationships, and maintaining focus, offering valuable insights and shared experiences.

Prepare to embark on an immersive journey into the heart of the action, as each episode of The Anchor Point Podcast takes you on an in-depth exploration of the challenges and rewards experienced by fireline operators. Engage in enlightening interviews and discussions with subject matter experts that provide a comprehensive understanding of wildland firefighting.

Whether you are a passionate wildland firefighting enthusiast or an individual seeking to expand your knowledge, The Anchor Point Podcast is an indispensable and trusted resource. Our episodes cover a broad range of topics, including fire behavior, weather patterns, medical know-how, equipment, gear, and the evolving role of technology in firefighting.

The Anchor Point Podcast is your gateway to a unique and invaluable vantage point on the challenges and rewards of fireline work. Whether you're seeking to expand your understanding of wildland firefighting or simply captivated by the extraordinary tales from the frontlines, our podcast is an essential resource. Subscribe today and unlock a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.