Project:

Gum4Fire

A new device to mitigate firefighters´ occupational exposure to persistent organic pollutants: development of a chewing gum, in vivo application, and in vitro health risk assessment

Principal Investigator: Marta Oliveira
Co Principal Investigator: Francisca Rodrigues

Proposing Institution: REQUIMTE – Rede de Química e Tecnologia

Funding: The project Gum4Fire (2022.05381.PTDC; http://doi.org/10.54499/2022.05381.PTDC) was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior, through national funds.

Abstract

Fires release a complex mixture of gaseous and particulate pollutants and, jointly with physical/mental demanding activities, endanger the safety and health of firefighting forces. Firefighting is classified as a possible carcinogenic occupation due to exposure to toxic emissions containing many (known/possible/probable) carcinogens, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), brominated (BFR), and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFR), among several others. Evidence demonstrates a higher prevalence of increased morbidity and mortality among firefighting forces, the aggravation/development of cardiorespiratory diseases and cancer, the predominant causes of health burden. Continuous improvements have been progressively implemented to promote firefighters’ safety and health, including better quality and fire resistance of personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination procedures of PPE and firefighting vehicles, and periodic training sessions on firefighting and safety. Although, mitigation strategies are urgently needed at a global scale to minimize firefighters’ exposure. This research team (RT) started in 2015 with the first steps concerning firefighters’ levels of exposure and potential health risks. Data generated are aligned with the literature and demonstrate increased levels of hazardous pollutants (or their main metabolites) on the skin and biological fluids of firefighters.

Gum4Fire gave continuity to RT´s work with an exploratory approach aiming to advance the technological and scientific knowledge forward by contributing with: i) development and validation of a CG able to adsorb POPs, ii) application of the developed technology on firefighters´ exposure during firefighting activities, iii) health risk assessment on buccal and intestinal cells, and iv) evaluation of CG’ potential to reduce firefighters´ oral exposure to POPs and transfer the acquired knowledge/technology to firefighting forces, stakeholders, the scientific community, and civil society. The formulation of a CG was incorporated with natural excipients and absorbent oils that can adsorb POPs. The CG was developed in close collaboration with the development department members of Lusiteca-Produtos Alimentares, SA, who promptly accepted the challenge of exchanging scientific and industrial knowledge. The optimum CG formulation was characterized and validated according to previous studies and applied to firefighters involved in firefighting activities. A strong collaboration with members of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) was determinant for the close articulation with different firefighters to implement the developed mitigation technology. Participants used CGs and collected saliva before/after firefighting (Phases A-C) with a later chromatographic determination of 37 compounds (18 PAHs, 12 BFR, and 7 OPFR). An in vitro health risk assessment was done to determine cytotoxicity on buccal and intestinal cells. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the application of CG and its potential to mitigate firefighters’ oral exposure to POPs during firefighting activities was done in close articulation with Lusiteca and ANEPC.

Gum4Fire was executed by a multidisciplinary team with technical/scientific complementary expertise on firefighters’ occupational exposure, development, and characterization of oral films, and on the use of in vitro assays and 3D models to perform a health risk assessment. This exploratory proposal generated a mitigation technology that can minimize, as much as possible, the absorption of POPs through the mouth and sound scientific knowledge associated with its application to firefighters involved in fire combat. Gum4Fire contributed to reduce firefighters’ exposure to POPs and the associated short- and long-term health risks, thus promoting the protection of working environments, even during firefighting activities, and the formulation of strategies and adaptative preventive measures to improve firefighters’ health and safety (Goals 3, 8, and 11 Agenda 2030). Gum4Fire has the potential to cause a significant impact on the economic, technological, and societal dimensions of Portuguese society, with the potential to be applied at a large scale for all firefighters and to promote future national/international collaborations. Key outputs were widely disseminated to all firefighters, collaborating partners, stakeholders, and the civil society.

Awards and Recognitions

Best student oral communication: P. Almeida, V.C. Fernandes, C. Delerue-Matos, P. Costa, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Development of a chewing gum with Actinidia arguta extract as an innovative mitigation strategy for firefighters occupational exposure, International Conference on Sustainable Foods (ICSF) – Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, 24-25th July 2024, School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal.

Best poster communication: P. Almeida, F. Rodrigues, P. Costo, M. Oliveira, Organoleptic and textural characterization of a chewing gum to absorb pollutants released during fire events, XVIII Congresso Científico da AEFFUP, 10th and 11st November 2023, National Association of Pharmacies – North Delegation, Porto, Portugal.

Advanced training

Ana Bela Coelho Barros, Forest Fire emissions: Exposure data and potential health risks for firefighters and the general population, PhD in Sustainable Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto concluded on 7^th November 2024 (Grant: Fundação para a Ciêcnia e a Tecnologia (FCT) (Portugal) – SFRH/BD/07394/2020). Link: https://hdl.handle.net/10216/162906

Ana Sofia Rosa Amorim, Firefighters’ occupational exposure and health: Contribution from biomonitoring assays, Master of Science in Biochemistry in Health, High School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal, 26^th November 2024. Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/29549

Pedro Miguel Soares de Almeida, Development, characterization, and application of a chewing gum to mitigate firefighters’ occupational exposure, Integrated Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 5^th November 2024. Link: https://hdl.handle.net/10216/163629

Denis Borysyak, Avaliação da exposição ocupacional de bombeiros, Professional aptitude test for the conclusion of Course with own plan of Chemical-Biological Analysis, Colégio de Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, July 2024.

Mélanie Torres Miranda, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their metabolites: characterization in air and biological samples in firefighting scenarios, Erasmus student from the University of Technology of Chemistry, IUT D’ORSAY, Université Paris-Saclay, France; June 2023.

Pedro Almeida, Cancro oral em bombeiros: Recolha da evidência existente e tecnologias viáveis para aplicar em estratégias de mitigação, Seminar of the 1st year of the Master of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto; May 2023. 

Papers

M. Paiva, B. Barros, R. Azevedo, M. Oliveira, S. Alves, F. Esteves, A. Fernandes, J. Vaz, M.J. Alves, K. Slezakova, M.C. Pereira, J.P: Teixeira, S. Costa, A. Almeida, S. Morais, Biomonitoring of firefighters’ exposure to priority pollutant metal(loid)s during wildland fire combat missions: Impact on urinary levels and health risk, Science of Total Environment (2024) 953, 176105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176105

Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, M. Oliveira, Environmental contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and contribution from biomonitoring studies to the surveillance of global health, Environmental Science and Pollution Research (2024) https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-34727-3

Teixeira, G. Sousa, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, C. Delerue-Matos, X. Wang, A. Santos-Silva, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Characterization of Wildland Firefighters’ Exposure to Coarse, Fine, and Ultrafine Particles; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; and Metal(loid)s, and Estimation of Associated Health Risks, Toxics (2024) 12, 422. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12060422

Sousa, J. Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, X. Wang, F. Rodrigues, M. Freitas, M. Oliveira, Gravimetric, morphological, and chemical characterization of fine and ultrafine particulate matter inside fire stations, Building and Environment, (2024) 111403 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111403

Barros, A.M. Paiva, M. Oliveira, S. Alves, F. Esteves, A. Fernandes, J. Vaz, K. Slezakova, S. Costa, J.P. Teixeira, S. Morais, Baseline data and associations between urinary biomarkers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, blood pressure, hemogram, and lifestyle among wildland firefighters, Frontiers in Public Health (2024), 12, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1338435

J. Teixeira, M.J. Bessa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, A. Santos-Silva, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Firefighters’ personal exposure to gaseous PAHs during controlled forest fires: A case study with estimation of respiratory health risks and in vitro toxicity, Science of the Total Environment (2024) 908, 168364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168364

B. Barros, M. Oliveira, S. Morais, Continent-based systematic review of the short-term health impacts of wildfire emissions, Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, B (2023) 6(7) 387-415. https://doi.org/10.1080/10937404.2023.2236548

J. Teixeira, G. Sousa, S. Morais, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Assessment of coarse, fine, and ultrafine particulate matter at different microenvironments of fire stations, Chemosphere (2023) 335, 139005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139005

M.J. Bessa, B. Sarmento, M. Oliveira, F. Rodrigues, In vitro data for fire pollutants: Contribution of in vitro studies using human cell models towards firefighters’ occupational exposure, Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, B, 26(4) (2023),238-255. https://doi.org/10.1080/10937404.2023.2187909

M. Oliveira, Riscos associados à atividade do bombeiro, BioHazMag -Biological Hazmat Magazine, Nº 3, Maio 2024, pp. 34-37. https://www.biohazmag.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/BHM_N3_2024.pdf

J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, A. Santos-Silva, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Exposição ocupacional do bombeiro a matéria particulada em vários contextos do seu quotidiano, Flammae – Revista científica do Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Pernambuco, II Special Edition – 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios Urbanos e as 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil (8JORNINC-3JORPROCIV) 2023, 09 N.27, 9-32. ISSN 2359-4829. https://www.revistaflammae.com/_files/ugd/08765e_be63821515a84af59681cb47736e448e.pdf

S. Lavandeira, M. Oliveira, M. J. Alves, S. Morais, Águas termais: possíveis benefícios para promover a saúde dos bombeiros, Flammae – Revista científica do Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Pernambuco, II Special Edition – 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios Urbanos e as 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil (8JORNINC-3JORPROCIV) 2023, 09 N.27, 93-111. ISSN 2359-4829.
https://www.revistaflammae.com/_files/ugd/08765e_00985cfab90d4ab9a5be815860aca39a.pdf

Book chapters

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, A. Santos Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Characterization of firefighters’ respiratory health risks during training structure fires: an exploratory approach, In: PM Arezes, et al. (Eds.) Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health VI. Studies in Systems, Decision, and Control 2025, Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, Switzerland, accepted.

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, A. Santos Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Use of urinary creatinine to assess occupational exposure as a firefighter: a preliminary study, In: PM Arezes, et al. (Eds.) Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health V. Studies in Systems, Decision, and Control (Vol 492), Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, Switzerland, October 2023, pp. 295-304. ISBN: 978-3-031-38277-2. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38277-2_24

G. Sousa, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, C. Delerue-Matos, X. Wang, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Characterization of metal content in the saliva of firefighters: a preliminary study, In: PM Arezes, et al. (Eds.) Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health V. Studies in Systems, Decision, and Control (Vol 492), Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, Switzerland October 2023, pp. 305-315. ISBN: 978-3-031-38277-2. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38277-2_25

B. Barros, M. Oliveira, S. Morais, Cardiorespiratory symptoms and disease among firefighters, In: PM Arezes, et al. (Eds.) Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health V Studies in Systems, Decision, and Control (Vol 492) Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, Switzerland October 2023, pp. 317-339. ISBN: 978-3-031-38277-2. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-38277-2_26

Other dissemination actions

Indexed abstracts

J. Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, F. Rodrigues, A. Santos-Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Urinary monohydroxyl-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals in firefighters with active participation in controlled structure fires, Toxicology Letters, 384S1, (2023) P23-05, S263. ISSN: 0378-4274. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4274(23)00881-0

M.J. Bessa, J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, M. Oliveira, F. Rodrigues, A step forward the in vitro toxicity assessment of firefighters’ exposure to controlled fires in human cell culture models, Toxicology Letters, 384S1, (2023) P16-13, S185-S186. ISSN: 0378-4274. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4274(23)00704-X

M. Bessa, J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, In vitro toxicity assessment of firefighters´ breathable air collected on polyurethane foams in human lung epithelial cells, Scientific Letters, 1, Sup (1) P35 (2023) 77, ISSN: 2795-5117. https://doi.org/10.48797/sl.2023.111

M. Bessa, J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, B. Sarmento, F. Rodrigues, In vitro toxicity of saliva samples collected from firefighters exposed to fire-related events in human oral and intestinal cell models, Scientific Letters, 1, Sup (2) P28 (2023) 69, ISSN: 2795-5117. https://doi.org/10.48797/sl.2023.112

Proceedings of Scientific Conferences

M. Oliveira, S. Morais, C. Delerue-Matos (2024) SS07-006 Occupational exposure as a firefighter – contribution from biomonitoring assays, Occupational Medicine 2024, 74(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae023.0082

S. Lavandeira, M. Oliveira, M.J. Alves, S. Morais (2024) The impact of occupational exposure on workers’ respiratory microbiota, Proceedings, 102, 34. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024102034

J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, M. Oliveira (2024) Impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the environment and human health: Evidence retrieved from biomonitoring studies, Proceedings, 102, 18. https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024102018

S. Lavandeira, M. Oliveira, M.J. Alves, S. Morais (2023) Potencial das águas termais para melhorar a saúde respiratória dos bombeiros, Proceedings on the 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios Urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, p. 344-352; ISBN 978-989-35087-3-2. https://recipp.ipp.pt/handle/10400.22/23061

B. Barros, A. Paiva, M. Oliveira, Simone Morais (2023) Biomarkers for the surveillance of firefighter’s health, Proceedings on the Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios Urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, p. 336-343; ISBN 978-989-35087-3-2. https://recipp.ipp.pt/handle/10400.22/23061

B. Barros, M. Oliveira, S. Morais (2023) Forest Fire Emissions as a public health burden, Proceedings on the 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios Urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, pp. 328-335; ISBN 978-989-35087-3-2. https://recipp.ipp.pt/handle/10400.22/23061

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, A. Santos-Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira (2023) Níveis de partículas respiráveis libertados durante fogos controlados urbanos, Proceedings on the 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios Urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, pp. 209-218; ISBN 978-989-35087-3-2. https://recipp.ipp.pt/handle/10400.22/23061

J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira (2023) Contribuição do combate aos incêndios urbanos para a exposição ocupacional como bombeiro, Proceedings on the 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios Urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, pp. 200-208; ISBN 978-989-35087-3-2. https://recipp.ipp.pt/handle/10400.22/23061

J. Teixeira, S. Morais, F. Rodrigues, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Assessment of exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during prescribed burns, Proceedings on the 18th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology (CEST 2023), 30st August – 2nd September 2023, Athens, Greece. ISSN: 2944-9820; https://doi.org/10.30955/gnc2023.00109

Invited Keynotes 

M. Oliveira, Firefighters: Occupational exposure, early effects on the health of operational forces, and mitigation strategies, 18th Forum Nacional de Medicina no Trabalho and 4rd Portuguese International Forum on Occupational Health – Occupational Health: more demanding and for everyone, 28-30th November 2024, Centro Ismaili Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal. Link: https://www.spmtrabalho.org/_files/ugd/a7d6ed_693cb7a92bad4f8389f4d85470e798a5.pdf

M. Oliveira, Impacto da exposição ao fumo e agentes carcinogénicos – estudo de caso, Seminar and Workshop “Saúde e Segurança nos Bombeiros”, Bombeiros Cruz Branca, 9th November 2024, Vila Real, Portugal. Link: https://www.facebook.com/ligabombeirosportugueses/posts/semin%C3%A1rio-sa%C3%BAde-e-seguran%C3%A7a-nos-bombeirosos-bombeiros-volunt%C3%A1rios-da-cruz-branca/577069101658764/

B. Barros, M. Oliveira, S. Morais, Emissões dos incêndios florestais e o seu impacto na saúde humana, Webinar “Incêndios Florestais: consequências e impactos”, Unidade Curricular de Organização e Intervenção na Emergência, Lisbon Higher School of Health Technology (ESTeSL), Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, 20th May 2024. Link: https://www.estesl.ipl.pt/eventos/webinar-incendios-florestais-consequencias-e-impactos

M. Oliveira, S. Morais, C. Delerue-Matos, Occupational exposure as a firefighter – contribution from biomonitoring assays, Special Session 07 – Guidelines for emergency preparedness and management: Learnings from the 9/11 disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic, ICOH 2024 – 34th International Congress on Occupational Health, 28th April to 3rd May, Marrakesh, Morocco. https://www.icoh2024.ma/exel/Catalogue%20ICOH2024%20A5%20Final%2001.pdf

M. Oliveira, 4FirHealth: Firefighting occupational exposure and early effects on the health of operational forces, Webinar “Cuidar da Saúde Ocupacional dos Bombeiros”, Programa Saúde+, Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil, 11st April 2023 (Online).

Oral Communications

Teixeira, J. Teixeira, M.J. Bessa, G. Sousa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Firefighting occupational exposure and early effects on the health of occupational forces: evidence from in vitro assays, International Conference on Occupational exposure as a firefighter, health risks, and mitigation strategies, 17-18th October 2024, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal. https://hera-science.com/events/occupational-exposure-as-a-firefighter/

J. Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, F. Rodrigues, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Coimbra, A. Santos-Silva, M. Oliveira, Project 4FirHealth – Occupational exposure of firefighters during fire combat: assessment of pollutants’ levels and risks for respiratory and urinary system, International Conference on Occupational exposure as a firefighter, health risks, and mitigation strategies, 17-18th October 2024, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal. https://hera-science.com/events/occupational-exposure-as-a-firefighter/

P. Almeida, V.C. Fernandes, C. Delerue-Matos, P. Costa, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Development and application of a chewing gum with the capacity to withhold pollutants present in fire-emissions, International Conference on Occupational exposure as a firefighter, health risks, and mitigation strategies, 17-18th October 2024, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal. https://hera-science.com/events/occupational-exposure-as-a-firefighter/

S. Amorim, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Firefighters’ occupational exposure and health: Contribution from biomonitoring assays, International Conference on Occupational exposure as a firefighter, health risks, and mitigation strategies, 17-18th October 2024, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal.  https://hera-science.com/events/occupational-exposure-as-a-firefighter/

B. Barros, A.M. Paiva, M. Oliveira, S. Alves, F. Esteves, A. Fernandes, J. Vaz, K. Slezakova, S. Costa, J.P. Teixeira, S. Morais, The BioFirEx Project: Exposure and health impacts of forest fire emissions on Portuguese wildland firefighters, International Conference on Occupational exposure as a firefighter, health risks, and mitigation strategies, 17-18th October 2024, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, Porto, Portugal. https://hera-science.com/events/occupational-exposure-as-a-firefighter/

P. Almeida, V.C. Fernandes, C. Delerue-Matos, P. Costa, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Development of a chewing gum with Actinidia arguta extract as an innovative mitigation strategy for firefighters occupational exposure, International Conference on Sustainable Foods (ICSF) – Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, 24-25th July 2024, School of Technology and Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Bragança, Portugal.  https://icsf.morecolab.pt/

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, A. Santos Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Characterization of firefighters’ respiratory health risks during training structure fires: an exploratory approach, SHO’24 – International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4-5th July 2024, Porto, Portugal. https://www.sposho.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SHO2024-Program.pdf

S. Lavandeira, M. Oliveira, M. J. Alves, S. Morais, The Impact of Occupational Exposure on Workers’ Respiratory Microbiota, IECTO2024 – 1st International Electronic Conference on Toxics, 22nd March 2024, MDPI (online) https://sciforum.net/event/IECTO2024?section=#Program

B. Barros, M. Oliveira, S. Morais, Short-term health effects of wildfire emissions, WeBioPATR 2023 – The 9th International WEBIOPATR Workshop & Conference Particulate Matter: Research and Management, pp. 46, VInča Insitute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 28th November to 1st December 2023, Vinča, Belgrade. ISBN-978-86-7306-177-1. https://www.vin.bg.ac.rs/webiopatr/2023/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Programme-day-2.pdf

J. Teixeira, S. Morais, F. Rodrigues, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Assessment of exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during prescribed burns, 18th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology (CEST 2023), pp. 128, 31st August 2023, Athens, Greece. ISBN 978-618-86292-1-9. https://cest.gnest.org/e/cest-2023

B. Barros, M. Oliveira, S. Morais, 23 – Cardiorespiratory symptoms and disease among firefighters,  SHO’23 – International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 21st July 2023, Porto, Portugal. https://www.sposho.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SHOFinalProgram.pdf

G. Sousa, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, C. Delerue-Matos, X. Wang, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, 22 – Characterization of metal content in the saliva of firefighters: a preliminary study, SHO’23 – International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 21st July 2023, Porto, Portugal. https://www.sposho.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SHOFinalProgram.pdf

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, A. Santos Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, 18 – Use of urinary creatinine to assess occupational exposure as a firefighter: a preliminary study, SHO’23 – International Symposium on Occupational Safety and Hygiene, Faculty of Sports, University of Porto, 21st July 2023, Porto, Portugal. https://www.sposho.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/SHOFinalProgram.pdf

M. Oliveira, S. Morais, C. Delerue-Matos, Potential of biomonitoring assays to evaluate human exposure and associated health risks, LAQV Webinars 2025 – Environmental Chemistry Research Group, 12th February (online). https://laqv.requimte.pt/gazette/1140-laqv_webinar_12th_february_environmental_chemistry_at_12_00_p_m

J. Teixeira, M.J. Bessa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, S. Morais, A. Santos-Silva, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Monitorization of air pollutants at occupational settings and impact on firefighters’ respiratory health, REQUIMTE/LAQV Webinars 2025 – Environmental Chemistry Research Group, 12th February (online). https://laqv.requimte.pt/gazette/1140-laqv_webinar_12th_february_environmental_chemistry_at_12_00_p_m

J. Teixeira, J. Teixeira, M.J. Bessa, G. Sousa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Assessing firefighter occupational exposure via ingestion: The potential role of saliva as a biological sample (OC5), PhD Day VI Edition – Empowering Change: Strategies to Achieve the Goals of the 2030 Agenda, 16th October 2024, Higher Education, Polytechnic and University Cooperative (CESPU), Gandra, Paredes, Portugal. https://phday2023cespu.wixsite.com/phd-day-iucs-2024/scientific-program

P. Almeida, P. Costa, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Incidence rates and mortality caused by oral cancer in firefighters, IJUP24 -17th Young Researchers Meeting of University of Porto, 10th May 2024, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. https://www.up.pt/ijup/wp-content/uploads/sites/892/2024/05/Livro-de-Resumos_final.pdf

J. Teixeira, M.J. Bessa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, A. Santos-Silva, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Contribution of firefighters’ personal exposure to PAHs during controlled forest fires to their respiratory health burden, PhD Day V Edition – The Impact of Science, 26th October 2023, Higher Education, Polytechnic and University Cooperative (CESPU), Gandra, Paredes, Portugal. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cespu-ensino_phd-day-2023-the-impact-of-science-how-research-activity-7124780001983365120-5Jy-/?originalSubdomain=pt

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Coimbra, A. Santos-Silva, M. Oliveira, Impacto da atividade de combate aos incêndios nas concentrações urinárias de biomarcadores da função renal,  II Seminário Medicina no Trabalho 2023, Auditório CIM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 23rd September 2023, Porto, Portugal. https://diventos.eventkey.pt/Ficheiros/2023/FMUP%20-%20SETEMBRO/PROGRAMA%20FMUP.pdf

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Coimbra, A. Santos-Silva, M. Oliveira, 91 – Early biomarkers of kidney injury in firefighters exposed to a controlled structure fire, DCE23-Doctoral Congress in Engineering, pp. 14-15, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 16th June 2023, Porto, Portugal. ISBN. 978-972-752-310-8. https://fe.up.pt/dce/2023/

G. Sousa, M. Freitas, C. Delerue-Matos, X. Wang, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, 32 – Morphologic and elemental characterization of particulate matter from different firefighters’ working environments,  DCE23-Doctoral Congress in Engineering, pp. 10-11, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 16th June 2023, Porto, Portugal. ISBN. 978-972-752-310-8. https://fe.up.pt/dce/2023/

J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Contribuição do combate aos incêndios urbanos para a exposição ocupacional como bombeiro, 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, 2nd June 2023, Porto, Portugal, p. 56-57, ISBN: 978-989-35087-2-5. https://8jorninc.wixsite.com/8jorninc/programa

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, A. Santos-Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Níveis de partículas respiráveis libertados durante fogos urbanos controlados, 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, 2nd June 2023, Porto, Portugal, p. 58-59, ISBN: 978-989-35087-2-5. https://8jorninc.wixsite.com/8jorninc/programa

B. Barros, M. Oliveira, S. Morais, Forest fires as a public health burden, 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, 2nd June 2023, Porto, Portugal, p. 84-85, ISBN: 978-989-35087-2-5. https://8jorninc.wixsite.com/8jorninc/programa

B. Barros, A. Paiva, M. Oliveira, S. Morais, Biomarkers for the surveillance of firefighter’s health,  8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, 2nd June 2023, Porto, Portugal, p. 86-87, ISBN: 978-989-35087-2-5. https://8jorninc.wixsite.com/8jorninc/programa

S. Lavandeira, M. Oliveira, M.J. Alves, S. Morais, Potencial das águas termais para melhorar a saúde respiratória dos bombeiros, 8as Jornadas de Segurança aos Incêndios urbanos e 3as Jornadas de Proteção Civil, School of Engineering from Polytechnic of Porto, 2nd June 2023, Porto, Portugal, p. 88-89. https://8jorninc.wixsite.com/8jorninc/programa

Poster Communications

P. Almeida, V.C. Fernandes, C. Delerue-Matos, P. Costa, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Chewing gum as an innovative and sustainable mitigation device capable retaining pollutants and promote occupational health, 2º Simpósio INIAV para a Segurança Alimentar, 27th November 2024, Auditório Municipal de Vila do Conde, Vila do Conde, Portugal. https://www.iniav.pt/divulgacao/noticias-iniav/3790-2-simposio-iniav-para-a-seguranca-alimentar-sistemas-alimentares-sustentaveis-e-seguros

J. Teixeira, M.J. Bessa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, A. Santos-Silva, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Riscos respiratórios e toxicidade in vitro resultantes da atividade de combate a incêndios florestais, III Seminário de Medicina do Trabalho, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 28th September 2024, Porto, Portugal. https://diventos.eventkey.pt/geral/detalheeventos.aspx?cod=1559&lingua=pt-PT

G. Sousa, J.Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, C. Delerue-Matos, X. Wang, A. Santos-Silva, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Eposter, Characterization of wildland firefighters’ exposure to coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metal(loid)s, and estimation of associated health risks, Encontro Ciência 2024, 3 – 5th July 2024, porto, Portugal. https://www.encontrociencia.pt/

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, C. Delerue-Matos, A. Santos-Silva, M. Oliveira, A atividade ocupacional do bombeiro e a sua relação com o cancro, II Congresso Nacional de Epidemiologia e Registo de Cancro, Portuguese Cancer Institute, 23-24th May 2024, Porto, Portugal. https://ipoporto.pt/evento/ii-congresso-nacional-de-epidemiologia-e-registo-de-cancro/

J. Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, F. Rodrigues, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Coimbra, A. Santos-Silva, M. Oliveira, Evaluation of firefighter’s renal function after participation in a controlled forest fire, 6th Meeting of Medicinal Biotechnology, School of Health, Polytechnic of Porto, 17th May 2024, Porto, Portugal. https://formacao.ess.ipp.pt/v1/principal/home/index.php?page=verForm&id=2371&designacao=6th%20MEETING%20ON%20MEDICINAL%20BIOTECHNOLOGY

A.M. Paiva, B. Barros, R. Azevedo, M. Oliveira, S. Alves, F. Esteves, A. Fernandes, J. Vaz, M. Alves, K. Slezakova, M.C. Pereira, J.P. Teixeira, S. Costa, A. Almeida, S. Morais, Exposure characterization of metals and metalloids from the ATSDR priority list in firefighters, Workshop on Human BioMonitoring in Portugal (4th HBM-PT) – Human Biomonitoring for a better protection of citizens’ health against chemical risks, National Institute of Public Health, 19th April 2024, Lisbon, Portugal. https://nationalhubpt.wixsite.com/hbmpt24

G. Sousa, J. Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, C. Delerue-Matos, X. Wang, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Method development for the quantification of metals in firefighters wipe samples, Analítica 2024, 25-26th March 2024, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal. https://analitica2024.events.chemistry.pt/

P. Almeida, V.C. Fernandes, C. Delerue-Matos, P. Costa, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Development of a methodology to analyze fire-released pollutants in chewing gum, Analítica 2024, 25-26th March, 2024 Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Porto, Portugal. https://analitica2024.events.chemistry.pt/

P. Almeida, F. Rodrigues, P. Costo, M. Oliveira, Organoleptic and textural characterization of a chewing gum to absorb pollutants released during fire events,  XVIII Congresso Científico da AEFFUP – A Farmácia Comunitária do Futuro: Desafios e Oportunidades, 10th and 11st November 2023, National Association of Pharmacies – North Delegation, Porto, Portugal. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=aeffup&set=a.751795176983630&locale=pt_PT

S. Lavandeira, M. Oliveira, M.J. Alves, S. Morais, Firefighters’ Respiratory Health, Conference DCE23-Doctoral Congress in Engineering, pp. 27-28, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 16th June 2023, Porto, Portugal. ISBN: 978-972-752-310-8. https://fe.up.pt/dce/2023/programme/poster-session/

P. Almeida, J. Teixeira, P. Costa, A. Santos Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Variation of urinary creatinine levels in firefighter trainees during a controlled urban fire event, Young Researchers Meeting of U. Porto, p. 957, 10-12th May 2023, Porto, Portugal. ISBN: 978-989-746-356-3 https://www.up.pt/ijup/wp-content/uploads/sites/892/2023/06/Livro-de-Resumos_final.pdf

F. Rodrigues, F. Teixeira, J. Teixeira, M.J. Bessa, G. Sousa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, M. Oliveira, In Vitro Cell Models for Assessing Ingestion Exposure in Firefighters: New Insights into Occupational Risk, XXVIII Encontro Galego-Portugués de Química, 13-15th November 2024, Vigo, Spain. Link: https://www.encontrogalegoportugues.org/_files/ugd/398543_82bfe2d95cd54cb5bb846076c3985b45.pdf

M. Oliveira, J. Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Coimbra, A. Santos Silva, F. Rodrigues, Avaliação de biomarcadores de dano renal em bombeiros com participação ativa num fogo controlado urbano, XXVIII Encontro Galego-Portugués de Química, 13-15th November 2024, Vigo, Spain. Link: https://www.encontrogalegoportugues.org/_files/ugd/398543_82bfe2d95cd54cb5bb846076c3985b45.pdf

J. Teixeira, M.J. Bessa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, A. Santos-Silva, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Contribuição do combate a fogos florestais no dano pulmonar em bombeiros: evidência de estudos toxicológicos in vitro, Jornadas Ibéricas de Toxicologia, 26 – 27th September, Covilhã, Portugal. Link: https://ubipharma.pt/iv-jornadas-ibericas-de-toxicologia-pt/

J. Teixeira, P. Almeida, A. Santos-Silva, P. Costa, S. Morais, C. Delerue-Matos, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Firefighters´ occupational exposure assessment and estimation of associated health risks: an overview of European data, ICOH 2024 – 34th International Congress on Occupational Health, 28th April to 3rd May, Marrakesh, Morocco. Link: https://www.icoh2024.ma/exel/Catalogue%20ICOH2024%20A5%20Final%2001.pdf

G. Sousa, J. Teixeira, M. J. Bessa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Saliva as a promising matrix for biomonitorization of firefighters’ occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 8th International Conference on Food Digestion, 22708, 9-11th April 2024, Porto, Portugal. Link: https://diventos.eventkey.pt/geral/detalheeventos.aspx?cod=451&lingua=en-GB

J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, M. Oliveira, Impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the environment and human health: Evidence retrieved from biomonitoring studies, IECTO2024 – 1st International Electronic Conference on Toxics, 20-22 March 2024, MDPI (online) Link: https://sciforum.net/event/IECTO2024?section=#Program

P. Almeida, V. Fernandes, C. Delerue-Matos, P. Costa, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Development of a chewing gum as a device capable of retaining fire-related pollutants, International Firefighter Cancer Symposium, 22-23th February 2024, Miami, Florida, USA. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:72a39571-d01e-3cfb-8ba5-ef537aad2522

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Coimbra, A. Santos-Silva, M. Oliveira, Concentrations of early kidney injury biomarkers after structural firefighting activities,  International Firefighter Cancer Symposium, 22-23th February 2024, Miami, Florida, USA. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A984d3678-6dd2-3cd9-87c4-e10ad9c2e5a5

J. Teixeira, M. J. Bessa, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, A. Santos-Silva, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Evaluation of SCBA’s effective protection toward occupational exposure to PAHs during training structure fires and the associated respiratory health risks, International Firefighter Cancer Symposium, 22-23th February 2024, Miami, Florida, USA. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A3671243a-c731-3386-ab04-b083e05dee72

G. Sousa, J. Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, C. Delerue-Matos, X. Wang, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Assessment of firefighters’ occupational exposure to metals on the oral cavity, International Firefighter Cancer Symposium, 22-23th February 2024, Miami, Florida, USA. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:a08b5c0c-b961-3a12-9e01-49e18386b140

G. Sousa, J. Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, X. Wang, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, Composition of PM2.5 and PM0.1 on metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons released during prescribed fires, International Firefighter Cancer Symposium, 22-23th February 2024, Miami, Florida, USA. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Adc5b8c09-6106-3751-b6c2-f4a03b55f0b2

P. Almeida, F. Rodrigues, P. Costa, M. Oliveira, Development of a chewing gum to mitigate firefighters´ occupational exposure to fire-related pollutants, XXVII Encontro Luso-Galego de Química, pp. 302, 23-24th November, Porto, Portugal. ISBN: 978 989 8124 40 1. https://xxviilgq.events.chemistry.pt/pt/book-of-abstracts

J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, S. Morais, M. Oliveira, Cancer and the occupational activity as a firefighter, XXVII Encontro Luso-Galego de Química, pp. 299, 23-24th November, Porto, Portugal. ISBN: 978 989 8124 40 1. https://xxviilgq.events.chemistry.pt/pt/book-of-abstracts

J. Teixeira, S. Morais, F. Rodrigues, A. Santos-Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Caracterização das emissões de poluentes durante fogos controlados urbanos,  XXVII Encontro Luso-Galego de Química, pp. 235, 23-24th November, Porto, Portugal. ISBN: 978 989 8124 40 1. https://xxviilgq.events.chemistry.pt/pt/book-of-abstracts

B. Barros, A.M. Paiva, S. Barros, M. Oliveira, S. Morais, Quantification of the urinary pyrene metabolite: correlation between HPLC and ELISA methodologies, XXVII Encontro Luso-Galego de Química, pp. 298, 23-24th November, Porto, Portugal. ISBN: 978 989 8124 40 1. https://xxviilgq.events.chemistry.pt/pt/book-of-abstracts

J. Teixeira, R. Azevedo, A. Almeida, F. Rodrigues, A. Santos-Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, Urinary monohydroxyl-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals in firefighters with active participation in controlled structure fires, P23-05, 57th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX 2023) Toxicology – Multidisciplinary Science Leading to Safer and Sustainable Life, 10-13 September 2023, Ljubljana, Slovenia. https://www.eurotox2023.com/

M.J. Bessa, J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, M. Oliveira, F. Rodrigues, A step forward the in vitro toxicity assessment of firefighters’ exposure to controlled fires in human cell culture models, P16-13, 57th Congress of the European Societies of Toxicology (EUROTOX 2023) Toxicology – Multidisciplinary Science Leading to Safer and Sustainable Life, 10-13 September 2023, Ljubljana, Slovenia. https://www.eurotox2023.com/

B. Sarmento, M.J. Bessa, J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, F. Rodrigues, Assessment of firefighters’ saliva samples collected after fire-related events in human oral and intestinal in vitro culture models, Controlled Release Society (CRS) Annual Meeting and Exposition, P734, p. 51, 24-28th July, 2023, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. https://www.eventscribe.net/2023/CRSAnnualMeeting/

B. Barros, M. Oliveira, A. Paiva, A. Fernandes, S. Alves, J. Vaz, F. Esteves, K. Slezakova, M.J. Alves, J, Madureira, M.C. Pereira, S. Morais, P5. Urinary biomonitoring in firefighters: baseline data of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites, pp. 110, ISBM-12 – 12th International Symposium on Biological Monitoring in Occupational and Environmental Health, 21-23 June 2023, Porto, Portugal. https://www.isbm12.com/

J. Teixeira, F. Rodrigues, A.S. Silva, C. Delerue-Matos, M. Oliveira, P6. Urinary biomarkers of acute kidney injury in firefighters: an exploratory approach, pp. 111, ISBM-12 – 12th International Symposium on Biological Monitoring in Occupational and Environmental Health, 21-23th June 2023, Porto, Portugal. https://www.isbm12.com/

M. Bessa, J. Teixeira, C. Delerue-Matos, B. Sarmento, F. Rodrigues, M. Oliveira, In vitro toxicity assessment of firefighters´ breathable air collected on polyurethane foams in human lung epithelial cells, II TOXRUN International Congress 2023 – No Boundaries for Toxicology: One Health, One Society, One Planet, Poster 35, 27-28th April 2023, Higher Education, Polytechnic and University Cooperative (CESPU), Gandra, Paredes. https://publicacoes.cespu.pt/index.php/sl/issue/view/5 

Communication actions with media, participants, and civil society

Dissemination actions