Wildland Firefighting: Adverse Influence on Indices of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in body composition, intrahepatic lipid (IHL), and blood lipids in wildland firefighters (WLFF). Methods: Body composition was quantified from dual x-ray absorptiometry, and thigh muscle and IHL were calculated using molecular imaging in WLFF prior to and immediately following 63±5 operational days during 2017. Blood panels were analyzed by LabCorp, Inc. Results: Total body mass, fat mass, visceral fat mass, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol increased from pre- to post-season. Lean tissue mass and skeletal muscle were unchanged. There was a trend (P=0.06) towards an increase in IHL, and total globulin was increased. Conclusions: Detrimental changes in adipose tissue, blood lipids and hepatic function were noted in this cohort, and more studies are needed to evaluate the occupational consequences in WLFF and implement appropriate countermeasures.