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BREATH MEASUREMENT OF TOTAL BODY BURDEN OF JP-8 JET FUEL FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY
Citation:
Pleil, J D. AND M Colon. BREATH MEASUREMENT OF TOTAL BODY BURDEN OF JP-8 JET FUEL FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY. Presented at 2nd International Conference on Jet Fuel Exposure, San Antonio, TX, August 7-12, 2001.
Impact/Purpose:
The objective of this task is to develop state-of-the-art methods for measuring xenobiotic compounds, to include the isolation of the analyte from the appropriate matrix (extraction), preconcentration (typically sorbent-based), and analysis via GC/MS and/or LC/MS. Once established, these methods will be applied in small scale pilot studies or demonstration projects. Particular emphasis will be placed on methods which are readily transferable to other laboratories, including those within the Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (HEASD), the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), other EPA Laboratories, Program Offices, Regions, and academic institutions.
Specific objectives of this task include the following:
1) Development of GC/MS and LC/MS methods for the measurement of key xenobiotic compounds and their metabolites (to include the pyrethroid pesticides, perfluorinated organic compounds, and the BFRs) in relevant environmental and biological matrices.
2) Development of efficient low cost methods for the extraction and clean up of these compounds collected from relevant matrices.
3) Determination of xenobiotic compound and metabolite concentrations in samples derived from laboratory and field monitoring studies to help assess exposures and evaluate associated risks.
Description:
A complex epidemiological investigation of the effects of acute exposure to JP-8 jet fuel in the U.S. Air Force was performed through the study of about 350 human subjects across six Air Force bases. The focus was on fuels system maintenance personnel as the "exposed" cohort, with members of other (non-fuels related) career fields used as a "non-exposed" control population. Exhaled breath samples were collected from subjects both pre- and post-exposure to their normal job activities, with the emphasis on the exposed cohort due to logistical limitations. Samples were collected on site in 1 liter canisters and subsequently analyzed via gas chromatography - mass spectrometry in the EPA laboratory. Breath concentration data were compiled for C4 to C12 n-alkanes and a series of nine single-ring aromatic compounds including benzene. A JP-8 "fingerprint" variable was constructed from the speciated data by summing the nonane, decane, undecane and dodecane concentrations in the breath to allow simple intersubject comparison of relative exposure. It was estimated that this fingerprint variable represents about 10 - 15% of the total JP-8 exposure.
We found a large range of total exposure estimates within the nominally exposed cohorts from each base, and significant base to base variability of mean exposures. This indicates that an independent variable proportional to total exposure is necessary to rank relative exposures among subjects to avoid misclassification error when performing statistical comparisons with potential health or neurological effects. The breath data presented here appear to provide an excellent candidate for such a variable because it is based upon the JP-8 fingerprint composite of four compounds that represents a stable measure of the total fuel profile.
This is an abstract of a proposed presentation; it has been reviewed in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's review process and approved for publication. Mention of tradenames or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.