View source for Jet Propulsion Fuel 8 toxicity

==Background==
* Jet Propulsion Fuel 8 (JP-8) used by US military (aircraft, tanks, other military vehicles)
** Replaced JP-4 in 1992 as single fuel which was safer and reduced risk of fire/explosion
** Kerosene 99.8% by weight (benzene <0.05%)
** High flash point
** Low volatility
** Additives include anti-icing, anti-static, anti-oxidation, anti-corrosive
* JP-8 mainly consists of [[hydrocarbons|hydrocarbon]] chains from C9-C12

==Toxicology==
===Routes of Exposure===
* Inhalation - principal route of exposure for workers included in aircraft refueling activities
* Oral - minor route of exposure usually because of eating or drinking contaminated water
* Dermal - minor route of exposure if soil/water contaminated. Potentially significant route of exposure for workers not using adequate protective clothing

===Minimal Risk Levels===
* No acute-duration inhalation MRL established
* MRL of 3 mg/kg/day has been derived for acute oral exposure

===Health Effects===
* Studies have shown exposure can affect nervous system
* Target organs include lungs, liver, skin, immune and nervous systems
* Carcinogenicity not classified by EPA or US Department of Health and Human Services

==Clinical Features==
* Short term exposure:
**Skin irritation/[[rash]]
**[[Headache]], [[fatigue]], [[dizziness]], difficulty concentrating, [[ataxia]]
**[[hepatic failure|Liver dysfunction]]
**Respiratory symptoms, including pleuritic [[chest pain]], [[SOB]], feeling of suffocation
* Long term:
**Above, plus pulmonary and [[renal failure|renal damage]] 
* Taste and odor complaints related to tenacity of JP-8 

==Differential Diagnosis==

==Evaluation==
* Clinical diagnosis, history and physical findings direct workup

==Management==
===Inhalation===
* Move to fresh air
* Monitor for respiratory distress
* Secure airway if needed

===Dermal===
*Remove contaminated clothing
* Wash exposed areas with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes
* Treat dermal irritation with [[topical corticosteroids]]

==Disposition==
* Discharge home if asymptomatic after observation period 6-8 hours with normal vital signs and normal respiratory examination
* Admit if clinical evidence of severe toxicity or respiratory distress

==See Also==
*[[Hydrocarbons]]

==References==

[[Category:Military]]
[[Category:Toxicology]]