Jet fuel is harmful to humans, and exposure carries measurable health risks, ranging from temporary irritation to serious long-term disease. It is not a single chemical but a complex, kerosene-based mixture of hundreds of hydrocarbons and various additives. The severity of harm depends on the fuel type, such as Jet A or military JP-8, and the duration and route of exposure. Short-term contact causes immediate symptoms, while prolonged exposure can lead to systemic damage.
Understanding Jet Fuel’s Toxic Components
Jet fuel, including civilian Jet A and military-grade JP-8, is a refined petroleum product composed of hydrocarbons. While similar to kerosene, jet fuels contain various performance-enhancing additives and are processed under rigorous specifications. The toxicity primarily stems from the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction of this complex mixture.
This fraction includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that easily evaporate, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. Benzene is a known human carcinogen, and its presence contributes significantly to the fuel’s overall toxicity. The fuel also contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), with naphthalene being a notable example.
These chemical components cause adverse health effects when they enter the body. The individual toxic substances are systemically absorbed after exposure. The exact composition of jet fuel varies based on the crude oil source and refining process, which complicates the assessment of risk across different batches and types.
Acute Exposure: Symptoms and Entry Routes
Acute exposure to jet fuel occurs through three primary routes: inhalation, dermal contact, and accidental ingestion. Inhalation of vapors or aerosols is the most common route, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Volatile organic compounds cause irritation of the mucous membranes, leading to symptoms like eye irritation, nasal congestion, and respiratory tract irritation.
Breathing high concentrations of jet fuel vapors can rapidly cause central nervous system (CNS) effects. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea, which can progress to fatigue, incoordination, and unconsciousness, a condition known as narcosis. These neurological symptoms develop quickly and resolve once the individual moves away from the source of exposure.
Dermal contact allows the fuel to be absorbed through the skin, contributing to systemic uptake, especially among heavily exposed workers. Direct and prolonged contact causes a localized reaction known as defatting dermatitis. This condition involves a burning sensation, redness, and drying or peeling of the skin, as the hydrocarbons strip away the skin’s natural oils.
Ingestion is rare but presents a severe hazard, often occurring accidentally. If the fuel is swallowed and subsequently vomited, the risk of pulmonary aspiration is extremely high. Aspiration means the fuel enters the lungs, potentially causing severe chemical pneumonitis, which is a form of lung inflammation. Even small amounts of aspirated petroleum products can lead to serious respiratory distress.
Long-Term Health Consequences
Prolonged or repeated low-level exposure, often seen in occupational settings, can lead to systemic toxicity and chronic health problems. One of the most studied long-term effects is neurological damage, referred to as neurotoxicity. Chronic exposure has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
Individuals with chronic exposure may also experience peripheral sensory neuropathy, which is nerve damage outside of the brain and spinal cord. This neuropathy often presents as numbness or a tingling sensation in the hands and feet. Studies on exposed workers have also found alterations in balance and decreased sensorimotor speed, suggesting impaired coordination and processing.
Jet fuel components can affect the immune system, leading to immunotoxicity that suppresses the body’s ability to fight off disease. Chronic exposure has been linked to a decrease in certain white blood cell counts, potentially predisposing individuals to infectious diseases. Long-term exposure may also contribute to hearing loss, particularly when combined with high levels of noise exposure common in aviation environments.
The liver and kidneys are primary organs responsible for filtering and processing toxins, making them susceptible to damage from chronic exposure. Evidence points to potential liver and kidney function impairment, including hepatic inflammation and nephropathy. General liver and renal toxicity remain a concern for long-term occupational exposure.
Concerns about carcinogenicity are driven by the presence of substances like benzene and naphthalene within the fuel mixture. Benzene is a well-established cause of leukemia and other blood disorders. Naphthalene is classified as a possible human carcinogen, and long-term exposure to the mixture has been linked to an increased risk of cancers, including lung, skin, and bladder cancer.
Actionable Steps Following Exposure
Immediate response is necessary if jet fuel exposure occurs to mitigate potential harm. For dermal contact, contaminated clothing must be removed immediately, and the affected skin area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. This quick action prevents the fuel from being absorbed and reduces the likelihood of severe skin irritation.
If fuel vapors have been inhaled, the exposed person should be moved immediately to an area with fresh air. If the eyes have been splashed with fuel, they should be flushed immediately with water for at least 15 minutes. Even if symptoms appear mild, a medical evaluation is warranted, particularly for inhalation or suspected ingestion.
Medical follow-up is important if respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, persist after moving to fresh air. A healthcare provider may recommend a chest X-ray to check for chemical pneumonitis. For those with chronic or occupational exposure, regular medical surveillance is implemented to detect early signs of exposure-related health issues.
Prevention is the most effective strategy for managing jet fuel risk in occupational settings. Workers must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and respirators, when handling or working near jet fuel. Following a significant exposure, individuals should temporarily refrain from other respiratory irritants, such as smoking, to allow the body to recover.