Human Health Hazard Assessment of FT Jet Fuel and Sensory Irritation Study in Mice
Abstract
FT jet fuel is a synthetic organic mixture produced using the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process that is being developed to replace or augment petroleum-derived JP-8 jet fuel for military use by the U.S. armed forces. The FT toxicity testing program results are reviewed. The final study, sensory irritation potential in male Swiss-Webster mice, is evaluated. Groups of four mice were exposed for 30 minutes to FT jet fuel vapor/aerosol atmospheres. Group mean exposure concentrations were 2225, 6844 and 9425 mg/m3. FT jet fuel evoked breathing patterns characteristic of upper airway sensory irritation. The RD50 (50 percent respiratory rate depression) value was calculated to be 10939 mg/m3. JP-8 has an RD50 of 2,876 mg/m3. FT jet fuel is less irritating than JP-8. A health hazard assessment was conducted for FT jet fuel utilizing all of the following studies: dermal irritation test (FT vs. JP-8 vs. 50/50 blend), in vitro genotoxicity tests, acute inhalation study, short-term inhalation rangefinder study, in vivo genotoxicity test in tandem with the short-term study, 90-day inhalation toxicity study and sensory irritation assay. The sensory irritation RD50 was found to be the most sensitive endpoint. Based on the proposed use of FT jet fuel as a 50/50 blend with JP-8, an occupational exposure limit (OEL) for FT jet fuel is recommended at 200 mg/m3, in concurrence with the current JP-8 OEL of 200 mg/m3.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 08, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA563441
Entities
People
- Brian A. Wong
- Carl U. Parkinson
- Darol E. Dodd
- David R. Mattie
- Dean J. Wagner
- Earl W. Tewksbury
- John P. Hinz
- Teresa R Sterner
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory