Examining environmental toxicant exposure in firefighters

Evaluate the Exposure to Toxicants Emitted During a Structural Fire Assessed by Urinary and Buccal Cell Biomarkers Found in Firefighters.

Observational Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota · NCT05643014

This study is trying to see how exposure to harmful chemicals during firefighting affects firefighters by collecting urine samples before and after they fight fires.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMasonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT05643014 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study collects biomarker samples from firefighters before and after exposure to combustion emissions during structural fires. The aim is to assess the levels of toxicants, specifically focusing on substances like PAH, 1-HOP, PheT, and SPMA. Participants will provide urine samples to evaluate their exposure to these harmful substances, contributing to a better understanding of the health risks associated with firefighting. The study is designed to gather data without any interventions or treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are firefighters, both career and volunteer, who are over 18 years old and can provide consent.

Not a fit: Patients currently diagnosed with cancer or those who have used tobacco in the past year may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance knowledge about the health risks firefighters face due to toxic exposure, potentially leading to improved safety protocols.

How similar studies have performed: While this study focuses on a specific population, similar observational studies have shown success in understanding exposure risks in occupational settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Firefighter (career or volunteer)
* Over 18 years of age
* Able to provide written voluntary consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unwilling to provide a pre and post-exposure urine sample
* Current cancer diagnosis
* Tobacco use within the last 1 year (verified by urinary TNEs)

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HealthyPAH1-HOPPheTSPMA
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.