Aviation Fuel Exposure Resulting in Otitis Externa with Vertigo

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Toxicology
• Aerospace medicine

Background:

• Otitis externa is commonly caused by irritants, but specific links to aviation fuel exposure and its toxicology are less understood.
• Millions of military and civilian personnel face annual occupational exposure to aviation fuels.
• Standard safety protocols may not adequately address potential ear canal exposure routes.

Observation:

• A case of acute otitis externa in an aircraft maintainer was linked to external ear canal exposure to JP-5 jet fuel.
• Initial symptoms included vertigo, dizziness, and disequilibrium, without apparent middle ear involvement.
• The exposure occurred despite adherence to general exposure guidelines, indicating a gap in awareness of specific routes.

Findings:

• JP-5 jet fuel can be absorbed dermally, leading to neurological symptoms such as loss of coordination.
• Otitis externa typically affects the external ear canal's dermal tissue and does not usually present with vestibular symptoms.
• The case demonstrates a potential disconnect between observed symptoms and the known toxicology of aviation fuels.

Implications:

• Current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for jet fuel may have deficiencies regarding auricular exposure.
• Enhanced awareness and revised SDS are crucial for protecting personnel from potential delayed symptoms and dermal absorption.
• Healthcare providers need to consider aviation fuel exposure in cases of otitis externa with neurological symptoms.