Pilot Study of Occupational Assessment of Air Force Personnel Exposure to Jet Fuel Before and After Conversion to JP-8

摘要

The purpose of this study was to compare workers' health while JP-4 was still in use and after conversion to JP-8. Measures of effect were blood tests for liver, kidney and hematopoietic system function and serum protein analysis, neurocognitive function, and general health (history and physical exam). A cohort of 18 exposed and 18 non-exposed subjects, matched for gender and age, were measured 4 times over a period of 18 months while JP-4 was used, and at 3, 6 and 18 months after conversion to JP-8. Air sampling showed levels of naphthas during JP-8 use comparable to JP-4. Benzene, non-detectable in JP-8, compared to 0.05 ppm in JP-4. No significant differences were found between exposed and non-exposed subjects in liver and kidney function, neurocognitive function, frequency of symptoms, or general health. A rash on the hands was observed in 2 subjects using JP-8. No changes were seen in any of the complete blood count parameters between JP-4 and JP-8 use. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin and Mean Corpuscular Volume were statistically significantly lower in the exposed subjects at all sampling periods, indicating it may be an effect of jet fuel exposure in general. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration was significantly higher after conversion to JP-8 in the exposed subjects. Further study of larger samples is needed.