Hydrocarbons From Jet Fuel Increase Risk Of Brainstem Impairment

Researchers at Northern Arizona University have found some disturbing news. They've discovered that regular exposure to hydrocarbons (fuels found in many products, ranging from makeup to cleaning commodities), may contribute to a range of clinical conditions--including exposure to hydrocarbons that could lead to brainstem impairment. In this particular study, researchers zeroed in on jet fuel that Air Force officials might be exposed to.

"What we found is that at low levels, it is not toxic to the ears but toxic to the brain," O'neil Guthrie, a research scientist and clinical audiologist who joined Northern Arizona University, said in a news release. "Over time, these small exposures could accumulate and affect the brain's function."

In this most recent study, researchers examined the risk of auditory problems among test subjects who had been exposed to sustained noise and jet fuel. They conducted a month-long experiment that included exposure to jet fuel, noise only and a combination of the two, looking at different exposure levels that were tested. Additionally, experiments were built on initial findings as well.

Guthrie noted how most people are relatively unaware of the heightened exposure to organic solvents that can be extremely toxic to the brain. This type of exposure, when combined with sustained noise, could be the cause of brain-related injuries that contribute to a list of multiple conditions that may be overlooked, including sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration. The findings can be important for establishing guidelines for individuals working around fuel and noise, including those employed at airports and in the military.

The study was designed to inform Air Force officials interested in hearing loss among airmen.

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