A team led by Washington State University has created a low-cost, self-administered test designed for wildland firefighters to monitor their exposure to woodsmoke in real time. This innovation aims to help protect firefighters from potential health risks, such as lung cancer and leukemia.

The testing method is akin to a pregnancy test, requiring a single drop of urine on a paper assay that detects benzene metabolites through the use of small quantities of platinum and palladium for precise measurements. Firefighters can utilize their smartphone cameras equipped with a 3-D-printed attachment and a dedicated app to interpret the results, negating the necessity for laboratory testing.

Annie Du, a research professor at WSU and the project leader, emphasized the varying responses individuals have to smoke exposure, stating that while some may have protective responses, others could be at risk. The goal is to identify exposure early, as symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or lung pain indicate advanced health issues that may require hospitalization.

Support from a grant provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is facilitating the expansion of this test for use in occupational settings, with validation efforts currently underway involving wildland firefighters in Georgia. Additionally, WSU’s Office of Commercialization is investing in enhancements for the test’s application among high-risk groups.