Characterization of Toxicants in the PMs of Wildfire Smoke
Middle Tennessee State University, Principal Investigator - Mengliang Zhang, PhD
RELEVANCE
This study provides a molecular basis to correlate particulate matter with the health hazards of smoke from biomass combustion sources. The knowledge of the chemical composition of particulate matter will enhance proactive actions in preparing firefighters to make informed decisions for protecting their health and safety during wildfire events. The results will be disseminated via the publication of scientific findings and the development of public outreach materials to benefit professional and public audiences, respectively.
METHODS
Analytical methods and sampling strategies will be developed and validated under well-defined conditions at MTSU before their application in field studies. The methods will be evaluated for samples collected at a control burn or fire training exercise and eventually be used to characterize the chemical composition of the particulate matter of wildfire smoke in California. The health implications of particulate matter inhaled by firefighters and residents at the wildland-urban interface will be elucidated by our research results in combination with existing literature in air toxics.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES
The proposed project will generate scientific data for the specific constituents in the particulate matter of wildfire smoke by using chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques optimized for unraveling the complex composition. Through research, we aim to provide a thorough understanding of the chemistry of particulate matter in wildfire emissions and contribute to the strategies for reducing the adverse health effects experienced by firefighters in wildfire suppression.