Characterization of Jet Fuel Combustion Emissions During a C-130 Aeromedical Evacuation Engines Running Onload
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to characterize jet fuel combustion emissions (JFCE) in anoccupational setting. Prior research demonstrated that aircraft emit hazardous species, especially at engine start-up and ground idle. Complaints of eye, nose, and throat irritation from occupational exposures near aircraft exist. In this study JFCE were tested during an aeromedical evacuation engines running patient onload (ERO) on a C-130 Hercules at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield-Lahm Air National Guard. Ultrafine particles, VOC, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfuric acid, and metals were sampled simultaneously in approximate crew and patient breathing zones. Testing methods were portable condensation particle counters (CPC), polycarbonate filters (PC) and thermophoretic samplers (TPS) for electron microscopy, MultiRae gas monitors, EPA methods TO-17 and TO-11, and NIOSH methods N0600, N7908, N7300. Ultrafine particulate matter, VOC including EPA HAPs, formaldehyde, CO, and unburned jet fuel were detected. Particles were dominated by soot that was predominantly carbonaceous with trace oxygen, sulfur and few metals in concentrations up to 3.4E 06 particles/cc. Particle size distributions were varied with most sizes less than 100 nanometers (nm). Particle morphology was highly irregular. VOC were detected in ppb, and formaldehyde in ppm. Additive or synergistic effects are suspected and may intensify irritation. Health implications from inhaling nano-sized soot particles are inconclusive.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 24, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1055542
Entities
People
- Michelle L. Page
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology