Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) The New Carbon Monoxide Jason Krusen Jeremy Boyle
Would you enter without SCBA?
So why would you do it here
Outline Physical properties of Hydrogen Cyanide Health effects of HCN Columbia Fire Departments process Metering data & meter evaluation Columbia Fire Department SOG Case studies References
Bio Jason Krusen Columbia Fire Department E-1/ HM-1 Captain (13 years) Planning Manager for SC-TF1 Logistics Tech. for DHS PEP Certified SC State Fire Instructor IAFF Haz-Mat Tech & WMD Instructor Consultant for E-Med Training Services, LLC Clean-up contractor for HEPACO Inc.
Bio Jeremy Boyle Columbia Fire Department E-12 Captain (12 years) Haz-mat Support Company Haz-Mat Specialist for SC-TF1 Certified SC State Fire Instructor IAFF Haz-Mat Tech & WMD Instructor Instructor for E-Med Training Services, LLC Clean-up contractor for HEPACO Inc.
Columbia (SC) Fire Department Combination Department 450 Paid Personnel / 75 Volunteers Minimum staffing of four personnel (City) and two personnel (County) Medical First Responder only 36,000 calls in 2008 660 square miles Population 350,000
Columbia Fire Department 32 Stations 31 Engines 5 Ladders 1 Heavy Rescue 4 Light Rescues 1 Haz-Mat 5 Battalions
Special Operations Type II US&R Team Trench Rescue Swift Water Rescue Decon Unit
Haz-Mat 1 HM-1 398 calls in 2008 E-1 1538 calls in 2008
Haz-Mat Support Companies Four Engines 100% Haz-Mat Technician 50% Minimum Compliment of meters Foam unit Decon Trailer
Properties of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) IDLH = 50 ppm NIOSH REL = 5 ppm (4.7ppm) OSHA PEL = 10 ppm EPA AEGL (Life threatening effects or death) 10 minutes = 27 ppm 30 minutes = 21 ppm
HCN Extremely poisonous Extremely flammable LEL 5.6% - UEL 40% VD =.93 (lighter than air) Molecular Mass = 27.03 IP = 13.6 ev H C N
UN/NA 1051 NFPA 704 Subsidiary Class 3 Class 6.1
HCN 24 times more deadly than carbon monoxide ERG Guide #117 NIOSH - Physical Dangers Hazardous concentrations may develop quickly in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas Mixes well with air; explosive mixtures are easily formed
Compared to Carbon Monoxide IDLH = 1200 ppm PEL = 35 ppm LEL 12.5% - UEL 74% Magnifies the toxicity of HCN when combined (Toxic Twins)
Recognizing HCN Exposure Headache Confusion Low blood pressure Nausea Seizures Loss of consciousness Symptoms similar to CO exposure Inability to catch breath once in fresh air
Health Effects of HCN Respiratory problems Weakness Heart disease Heart attack Stroke Brain damage Thyroid cancer
Health Effects of HCN Workers exposed to concentrations of 4-12 ppm over a period of 7 years showed an increase in symptoms of headache, weakness, irritation of throat, change in taste and smells, and nervous instability. Workers exposed to low concentrations of Hydrogen Cyanide have developed enlarged thyroid glands [NLM 1995] ACGIH [1991] Documentation of the threshold limit values and biological exposure indices. 6 th ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Council of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. NLM [1995] Hazardous substance data bank: Hydrogen Cyanide. Bethesda, MD: National Library of Medicine
Thyroid testing during Physicals Largo (FL) Fire Rescue ultra sound 8- employees with thyroid nodules 2 resulted in cancer 1 yet to be determined 1- aneurysm 1-70% blocked carotid arteries Las Vegas Fire Department 8 thyroid cancers 3 brain cancers
How we got started Trial use of HCN meter by vendor Research internet for incidents Use resource materials to find out about properties of HCN
Initial Proposal to Administration Key Facts Short term goals Long term goals Use of Haz-Mat personnel to lead the effort to begin monitoring for HCN
Key Facts of HCN HCN is more dangerous than Carbon Monoxide The IDLH of CO is 1200 ppm, while the IDLH of HCN is 50 ppm. Low CO levels present a false security to the presence of HCN. HCN has a short half-life, this can make it difficult to fully diagnose the level of exposure. Early detection is imperative to the safety of personnel. HCN symptoms in lower level exposures are similar to heat related illness and CO poisoning.
Key Facts of HCN (cont.) HCN symptoms in severe or acute cases mirror that of a heart attack. More firefighter and civilian deaths are being linked to HCN poisoning. Poor firefighter PPE usage leads to increased exposure of HCN and CO. Many health care facilities do not have the capability to test or treat for HCN poisoning. Suppression personnel are not properly trained on how to identify the symptoms of HCN. Statistical data is not available to help educate and protect firefighting personnel.
Short Term Goals Support from the Command Staff on the issue of HCN exposure. HM-1 respond to all confirmed structure fires to monitor and record data. Recorded information will aid in determining exposure of personnel. Analyze all data to assist with long term objectives and to better understand HCN. Form a committee or working group to develop an SOG to address HCN. Establish guidelines for personnel suspected of being exposed to HCN. Establish guidelines for the testing and treatment of personnel at health care facilities.
Short Term Goals (cont.) Meet with health care facilities to determine their ability to test and treat for HCN poisoning. Educate health care facilities and EMS on the threat of HCN poisoning. Work with health care facilities to have antidote kits (cyanokit ) on hand to treat personnel. Work with MMRS to see if grant funds are available to assist. Look at 2008 grants to purchase needed PPE, monitoring equipment, and treatment options. Educate Personnel on HCN. Develop a post fire PPE decontamination guideline.
Long Term Goals Reinforce SCBA and PPE training at all levels. Pulse ox meter for the Rehab unit. Second set of PPE for all suppression personnel. Additional gear extractors for PPE Additional Grants to help offset the cost of the new equipment. Work to improve the poor work habits among veteran personnel. Work with the firefighting community to educate firefighters of the harm of HCN Public education on the effects of HCN. Improved ALS care by EMS providers to meets the needs of a HCN poisoned firefighter.
Columbia FD Research Eight month study of monitoring and documenting at structure fires for HCN and CO Monitored outside structure during fire, inside immediately following knock down, during ventilation and following ventilation Responded Haz-Mat 1 on all confirmed structure fires within the city
Research (cont.) Document presented findings to the administration Track information to share with others
Meter Evaluation Industrial Scientific Gas Badge Pro $399.00 MSA Altair Pro $325.00 RAE Systems ToxiRae II $275.00
Metering Data
Columbia FD SOG HCN SOG was implemented in early 2009. PPE (use & cleaning) Monitoring Action levels Reporting Calibration Exposure NFPA 1581 training on gear maintenance
Where we are now Monitor before removing SCBA Monitoring gear at the scene Decon when necessary Looking into chronic health effects Developing a relationship with local hospitals
Largo Fire Rescue (FL) Began carrying Cyanokit in 2008 Two confirmed civilian saves with kit Currently conducting study on chronic health effects Began testing firefighters for HCN exposure as well as yearly testing during physicals
Jacksonville Fire Rescue Monitoring for HCN at fires Monitoring fire victims and fire personnel exposed to smoke for CO exposure with Masimo RAD 57 meter. Looking into chronic health effects Want to start monitoring
Recent Event Headlines read: Fireman Rivera remains in coma after big rescue February 13, 2009 Trenton Fire Dept. Firefighter Rivera died on March 31, 2009
Trenton Incident One report said Rivera had briefly taken off his mask on the ladder and was overcome by smoke: Laird said Rivera actually was not wearing a mask, because he was outside the building, not inside.
Cyanide Poison Treatment Coalition Findings In a recent 2 ½ month period 583 civilians were transported with smoke inhalation 261 of they subjects died 44.7% mortality rate An additional 55 firefighters were transported
Available Resources http://www.cyanidepoisoning.org/ http://www.peoplesburnfoundation.org/
Resources To Hell and Back IV Hydrogen Cyanide http://www.peoplesburnfoundation.org Rhode Island Report http://www.rifirechiefs.com/documents/forms /PFD_Cyanide_Report.pdf Smoke & Smoke: An advanced perspective http://www.firesmoke.org
Thank you