Characterization of Jet Fuel Inhalation Exposure and Urinary Metabolites in U.S. Air Force Personnel

Abstract

ISEE-0491 Background and Objective: Jet propulsion fuel-8 (JP-8) is the primary jet fuel used by the U.S. military, collectively consuming about 2.53 billion gallons annually. Previous reports suggest that JP-8 is potentially toxic to the immune, respiratory, and nervous systems. The objectives of this study were to evaluate inhalation exposure to JP-8 as well as absorption of JP-8 constituents among U.S. Air Force (USAF) personnel while performing job-related tasks. Methods: Seventy-three full-time USAF personnel from three active bases were categorized a priori as having low (n = 35) or high (n = 38) exposure to JP-8 based on job title and tasks. Personal air samples were collected from each participant during four consecutive workdays using air pumps and sorbent tubes. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, charcoal sorbent tubes were analyzed for benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylenes, and total hydrocarbons (THC) while Chromosorb® tubes were analyzed for naphthalene. Pre- and post-shift urine samples were also collected from each worker each day and analyzed for 1- and 2- naphthols, 2-, 3-, and 9-hydroxyflourene, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene. Linear mixed-effects models were used to explore the association between inhalation exposure and post-shift urinary metabolites, adjusting for creatinine and pre-shift urinary concentrations. Results: THC air concentrations were significantly different between the exposure groups (2.6 vs. 0.5 mg/m3, P < 0.0001). Similar differences were observed for the other analytes measured in air. Among the high exposure group, post-shift urinary 1- and 2-naphthol levels were significantly higher than pre-shift levels (both P < 0.05). Inhalation exposure to THC was significantly associated with post-shift urinary 1-naphthol (β = 0.21, P < 0.0001), 2-naphthol (β = 0.11, P = 0.0006) and 2-hydroxyflourene levels (β = 0.08, P = 0.005). Naphthalene air concentrations displayed similar significant associations with post-shift urinary 1-naphthol (β = 0.26, P < 0.0001) and 2-naphthol levels (β = 0.13, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: USAF personnel experience inhalation exposure to JP-8 which is associated with absorption of JP-8 constituents while performing normal job-related tasks.