Exploratory Studies of Chemical Contaminants in Pilot Breathing Air and on the Flight Line at Luke Air Force Base
Abstract
role in unexplained physiological events (UPEs) experienced by pilots. Potential factors investigated included: 1) chemical contamination in pilot breathing air, 2) aircraft exhaust re-entrainment from one jet to the intake of another and 3) chemical contamination on the flight line. To address the first concern of chemical contamination in pilot breathing air, a test system was designed to interface a suite of air sampling methods with pilot breathing air during engine ground runs. Results from engine run tests indicated a momentary spike in carbon dioxide, nitrogen monoxide and total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) just after engine start. A subset of VOCs was identified over the duration of the engine run at parts per billion levels, which were below occupational exposure limits. To assess the potential for exhaust re-entrainment, a sample scenario was designed using computational fluid dynamics aimed to model the behavior of a jet exhaust plume in typical weather conditions at Luke AFB. Results indicated that exhaust exposure to aircraft intakes and flight line maintainers was contingent on parking position and wind direction, where a subset of scenarios illustrated an increased risk of exposure. A limited set of experimental data were generated to confirm the findings. To investigate the third concern related to environmental factors, air sampling instruments were stationed at several locations around the flight line for a three-day period. Respirable particles dominated total particles present on the flight line. VOCs and combustion gases remained well below occupational exposure limits. Based on the findings of these exploratory studies, follow-on studies have been designed to address remaining research gaps and expand on preliminary findings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1070770
Entities
People
- Christin Duran
- Daniel Reilly
- Danielle Mckenzie-smith
- Darrin Ott
- Megan Steele