Female Reproductive Effects of Exposure to Jet Fuel at U.S. Air Force Bases
Abstract
Certain aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in fuels are known or suspected human reproductive or developmental toxicants. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate possible menstrual and reproductive endocrine effects of exposure to jet feel. Eligible military and civilian women (n=l70) were recruited from 10 U.S.A.F. bases. Internal dose of feel components measured in exhaled breath was used to characterize exposure, including: total C6-C16 ("aliphatic hydrocarbons"); and, total benzene, ethyl-benzene, toluene, and m,p,o-xylenes ("BTEX"). Four endocrine endpoints linked to conceptive cycles and internal dose measurements were available for a subset of 63 participants. An inverse relationship (p=0.007) between preovulatory LH and breath aliphatic hydrocarbons levels was found, i.e., as levels of compounds in feels increased, preovulatory LH levels decreased. Women in occupations involving feel handling did not have significantly (p less than or equal to 0.05) higher odds of menstrual disorders in adjusted analyses, although life event stress was associated with dysmenorrhea, hypermenorrhea, and abnormal cycle length. African American participants had lower follicular phase Pd3G levels and LH:FSH ratios, and lower rates of periovulatory increase than Caucasians. In conclusion, exposure to aliphatic hydrocarbons may be associated with hormonal changes, but these effects may not be related to effects on the menses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADB283722
Entities
People
- Grace K. Lemasters
Organizations
- University of Cincinnati