health and safety plan solid waste management unit assessment

JP-4 (JET F'UEL 4)
observed in high-dose
organ to body weight
animals
ratios
were increases in organ
for the male rat kidney,
weight
liver,
and in the
lung and
spleen. There was also a 27% incidence of rat murine bronchitis
(1933).
64.3.2 Human and Epidemiologic Studies
64.3.2.1 Short-term Toxicologic Effects
Acute exposure to petroleum distillates is known to.cause CNS
depression in man. For fuels with high vapor pressures such as JP-4,
there is the possibility of significant vapor exposures, particularly
in poorly ventilated or closed handling areas. Short-term exposure to
high concentrations can lead to headache, nausea, mental confusion, and
irritation of the respiratory system. In extreme cases, loss of
consciousness can occur (1932). One case of jet fuel intoxication by
the inhalation route was reported by Davies (1931). In this instance,
a pilot was exposed to vapor levels of 3000-7000'ppm in the cockpit of
his aircraft for approximately 7 minutes. He complained of feeling
sleepy and groggy and his speech was slurred but he managed to land the
aircraft safely. Neurological exsmination revealed a staggering gait,
a positive Romberg test (indicates peripheral ataxia) generalized
muscular weakness and possibly decreased sensation to painful stimuli
over the dorsal surface of the right forearm. The pilot did not feel
"normal" for 36 hours. He was observed during the next few days and
appeared in good condition. He was examined 5 months after the
incident at which time he felt fine.
Petroleum fuels generally have a low oral toxicity. Ingestion is
likely to occur only through accidents and the taste and smell
will usually limit the amount swallowed. Aspiration of the liquid into
the lungs can cause pneumonitfs (-1932).
The lower boiling point hydrocarbons which are present in most
liquid fuels defat the skin and cause dryness and irritation.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may result in oil acne or oil
folliculitis (1832).
Eye irritation can be caused by exposure to high vapor
concentrations or if the liquid is splashed into the eyes (1932).
64.3.2.2 Chronic Toxicologic Effects
Long-term exposure to jet fuel causes neurological effects. Knave
& A.. (1929) conducted a cross-sectional epidemiologic study in 30
Swedish aircraft factory workers exposed to jet fuel with the following
composition: aromatic hydrocarbons 12 vol %; olefin hydrocarbons* 0.5
vol %; saturated hydrocarbons 87.5 ~01%. Duration of exposure ranged
from 2 to 32 years with a mean of 17.1 years. Exposure levels ranged
from 128-432 mg/m3. Controls were age-matched and were employed for a
similar time period but had no exposure. Twenty-one of the 30 exposed
workers experienced recurrent acute symptoms such as dizziness,
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