Jet fuel sparks study
JP-8 jet fuel, a kerosene-rich fuel used in the C-130s and A-10s here, began replacing JP-4, a highly volatile and older grade of fuel, nearly 20 years ago. Since then, the Air Force has become one of the largest single users of JP-8, using more than 2.5 billion gallons annually.
Pope averages using 26 million gallons annually, according to Airman 1st Class Thor Myers, 43rd Supply Squadron fuels distribution operator.
"In spite of its widespread use in both the Department of Defense and commercial aircraft industry, very little is known about the potential effects of JP-8," said to Lt. Col. Roger Gibson, Air Force Institute for Environment, Safety and Occupational Heath Risk Analysis chief epidermiology consultant.
"A few years ago, the Air Force fuels community began asking questions about JP-8. This study and other recently conducted studies are aimed at answering those questions."
More than 10 colleges, universities, government agencies and other counties have collaborated during the past four years to study acute exposure to JP-8 jet fuel.
Pope, one of six sampling locations, was chosen because of the aircraft assigned here, the size of the fuels shop, and because the research team had networked here before, according to Gibson.
Other bases in the study are Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Seymour Johnson AFB; Langley AFB, Va.; Little Rock AFB, Ark.; and Eglin AFB, Fla. The first testing was performed in February at Dyess AFB, Texas. More than 10 tests are performed during the sampling period.
Test subjects included individuals both exposed and unexposed to JP-8 during the course of their normal duties. Volunteers at each location are compensated for being test subjects.
Maj. Donald Christensen, 76th Aeromedical Squadron occupational medicine services flight commander at Kelly AFB, Texas, jokingly said during the pre-brief session with all volunteers, "Most of you here that are serving as unexposed test subjects are here for the $50."
Air Force members at each location who participate in the complete study are compensated for volunteering.
JP-8 fuel tests
Tests are performed in morning and afternoon sessions.
· Air sampling: Three air-sampling devices are worn on the collar to collect air from an individual's breathing zone. It measures exposure to JP-8 from ambient air.
· Blood and urine sampling: Blood and urine are collected twice to measure various components of jet fuel that may be present in the samples.
· Breath sampling: Two different methods are used to gather breath samples. The purpose of the samples is to measure various components of jet fuel that may be present in exhaled breath.
One test requires participants to exhale into a 1-liter stainless steel vacuum container called a SUMMA canister. A separate test requires an individual to exhale into a glass container.
· Skin sampling: To discover how much jet fuel or jet fuel components may be absorbed through the skin, researchers place a strip of tape on the forearm and/or the back of the neck for 60 seconds. The outermost layer of skin cells are removed when the tape is peeled off. The skin on the tape is analyzed for the appearance of jet fuel components.
· Body temperature monitoring: Through the use of a sensor in a pill form, researchers use external monitors to gather information about a volunteer's body core temperature. In addition, heart rate and skin temperature is also monitored.
· Balance test: Using a postural sway test, researchers discover the subject's ability to maintain upright posture.
Testing is accomplished by using a weight-shift sensitive square platform. Participants are asked to perform 10, 30-second standing tests. Each period of standing is either done with their eyes opened or closed as requested by the researcher performing the test. Similar balance testing is also performed while the participant is standing on a thick foam pad placed atop the bare weight-shift platform.
· GASH/BARS: The Global Assessment System for Humans/Behavioral Assessment Research System is a computer based neurocognitive test.
The test analyzes one's ability to remember information and pay attention to a task for several minutes. It also assesses psychological conditions such as emotions, stress and personal feelings.
· Electroretinogram: The eye examination measures special nerve cell function of the eye via brain signals by shining a beam of light on the retina.
· Conditional eye blink response: This test measures reaction time. A small puff of air is blown across the front of the eye and a computer measures how long it takes for the eye to blink.
· Cheek swab: Saliva is collected on a sponge-like swab that is rubbed along the inside of the mouth for one minute.
The data collected from the saliva will be compared with blood samples to correlate the two samples. A positive correlation could eliminate some specific future blood tests, thereby eliminating a needle-stick in order to obtain a specimen. (FROM AIR MOBILITY COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).
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