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Human exposure to the jet fuel, JP-8
Raymond H Tu1, Clifford S Mitchell, Gary G Kay
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|January 23, 2004
Summary
Chronic exposure to jet fuel (JP-8) may impair neurocognitive function, even at low levels. This study found JP-8 exposed individuals performed worse on cognitive tests compared to unexposed individuals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Investigates anecdotal reports of adverse health effects from jet fuel (JP-8) exposure.
- Examines both acute and chronic exposure scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess health effects of JP-8 exposure.
- To measure neurocognitive functioning and organ function in exposed individuals.
Main Methods:
- JP-8 exposure estimated using breath analysis (aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons).
- Neurocognitive testing battery and liver/kidney function tests administered.
- Exposed individuals compared to age- and education-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Breath analysis confirmed JP-8 exposure via inhalation and dermal routes.
- Highest JP-8 exposure levels were significantly lower than at other bases due to safety protocols.
- Fuel cell workers, fuel specialists, and smokers showed highest JP-8 breath concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Study-day JP-8 exposures were below current guidelines.
- Chronic, low-level JP-8 exposure was associated with impaired neurocognitive functioning.
- JP-8 exposed individuals performed significantly worse on 20 of 47 cognitive measures.