Sauna Detoxification for Firefighters

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: HealthPartners Institute

Disqualifiers: Limited firefighting, Sauna contraindications, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

60 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether sauna use after active-duty firefighting is effective in reducing exposure to certain harmful chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are found in soot and several types are known to be carcinogens. This study is a cross-sectional pilot study that will be performed in active-duty firefighters. The firefighters will be subdivided into those who will use a sauna immediately after fighting a fire versus those who will not, the latter of which will serve as a metabolism control group. There will thus be two comparison groups within the study: 1) active-duty firefighters using a sauna after fire suppression (sauna group); 2) active-duty firefighters not using a sauna after fire suppression (metabolism control).

Research Team

Zeke McKinney, MD

Principal Investigator

HealthPartners Institute

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for active-duty firefighters who are willing to collect urine and sweat samples, avoid barbecued/smoked foods during the study, and use a sauna after fighting fires. It's not for those limited from firefighting duties, with conditions preventing sauna use, pregnant individuals, or anyone unwilling to complete all study tasks.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to provide urine samples when required.

Willingness to refrain from eating barbecued or smoked foods during the duration of the study

I am willing to use a sauna and provide sweat samples after firefighting activities.

Exclusion Criteria

Unwilling or do not agree to complete all data collection components of the study

I cannot use a sauna due to my health conditions.

I have chosen not to participate in this study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Enrollment

Collection of demographic info and instruction on sample collection

1-2 weeks

Data Collection

Participants collect bio-samples including urine and sweat samples

3 months

Analysis

MDH analyses of lab samples; statistical analysis to determine study outcomes

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after data collection

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Sauna

Trial Overview The study tests if using a sauna right after firefighting can reduce harmful chemicals called PAHs in the body. Firefighters will be split into two groups: one that uses a sauna post-firefighting (sauna group) and another that doesn't (control group).

Participant Groups

Group I: Sauna Active Control 1 Intervention

Firefighters/participants based at the station with an existing sauna will be allocated to the intervention arm/sauna group. They will include a sauna session, as per study protocol, which is the intervention.

Group II: Non Sauna Active Control 1 Intervention

Firefighters/participants based at the stations without a sauna will be allocated to the control arm/Non sauna group. They will not sauna, as per study protocol, as to not receive the study intervention.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

HealthPartners Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

196

Recruited

3,721,000+

Minnesota Department of Health

Collaborator

Trials

9

Recruited

179,000+