A model to predict dermal exposure to jet fuel was developed using a noninvasive tape-stripping method and naphthalene as a marker for jet fuel exposure. Twelve human volunteers, including 7 females and 5 males, were exposed to jet fuel on two sites on both lower volar arms (four sites total) inside an exposure chamber. Jet fuel was applied within an aluminum application chamber to avoid fuel spread. One additional site on the right arm was selected as an unexposed control area. Tape-strip samples were collected at 10, 15, 20, or 25 minutes after 25 µl of fuel application on each site. Cover-Roll adhesive tape (Beiersdorf AG, Germany), precut in size to 2.5 cm x 4 cm, was applied to the exposed or unexposed site after exposure. Each site was tape stripped five consecutive times.

The tape-stripping samples were extracted with 5 ml acetone and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Evaporation of naphthalene was measured during the experiment using Tenax tubes and analyzed by gas chromatography. Residual jet fuel remaining on the application chamber was collected and analyzed by GC/MS. By fitting a mixed-effect linear regression model to the data, we were able to estimate the amount of JP-8 initially applied when taking into account jet fuel evaporation and loss due to residual agent remaining on the application chamber walls. Covariates including race, gender, age, and skin type did not significantly affect the jet fuel penetration into the skin. With sufficient field evaluation, this model may be used to predict dermal exposure to jet fuel in occupational field settings as well as to understand the capacity of this technique to assess dermal exposures. Furthermore, this method could be valuable when considering the role of dermal exposure in the assessment of total body burden.