The Chronic Effects of JP-8 Jet Fuel Exposure on the Lungs
Abstract
The second year of this project concentrated on using a 'high' dose of JP-8 jet fuel in our exposure regimen. We selected a target dose of approximately 1,000 mg/m3 based on a published epidemiological study conducted at NATO Air Force Bases that demonstrated jet fuel concentrations as high as 1, 020 mg/m3 during refueling operations. The rats in the 'high' dose studies were exposed to an average of 813.8 Mg/m 3 for one hour/day for 7 and 28 days. In our previous work, a 'low' dose concentration of JP-8 jet fuel (500 mg/m3) for one hour/day for 7 and 28 days did not show any significant changes in lung structures by light microscopy. However, when light microscopy was performed on lung sections from rats exposed to JP-8 jet fuel for 7 and 28 days at the 'high' dose concentration, the evidence for injury to the alveolar-capillary barrier was overwhelming. In these rats, we observed red blood cells in the alevolar air spaces, distortion of the bronchial airways, and loss of epithelial cells in the alveoli. These findings were substantiated by electron microscopy which showed epithelial cells missing their basement membrane, airways devoid of cilia, and alterations of type II alveolar epithelial cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 13, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264162
Entities
People
- Mark L. Witten
Organizations
- University of Arizona