ABSTRACT
Jet propulsion fuels that power commercial and military aircraft consist of a complex kerosene mixture of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Dermal penetration of the jet fuels and components has been assessed in a number of in vitro studies. Jet propulsion fuels consist of approximately 228 aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons with carbon chain lengths ranging from C6 to C17. In vitro and in vivo studies show that aromatic hydrocarbons are absorbed and become systemic more readily than aliphatic hydrocarbons, while the less volatile aliphatics remain longer in the skin. Based on in vitro data, long-chain hydrocarbons are also cytotoxic. Chronic topical exposure to jet fuels may reduce the integrity of the dermal barrier, the stratum corneum, and cause an increase in systemic exposure to jet fuel components as well as other occupational toxicants. The chapter concludes that increased human exposure to jet fuels might cause enhanced absorption of such hydrocarbons and cause local or systemic toxicity.
