Effects of concurrent noise and jet fuel exposure on hearing loss.
Authors
Kaufman-LR; LeMasters-GK; Olsen-DM; Succop-P
Source
J Occup Environ Med 2005 Mar; 47(3):212-218
Abstract
Objectives: We sought to examine the effects of occupational exposure to jet fuel on hearing in military workers. Methods: Noise-exposed subjects, with or without jet fuel exposure, underwent hearing tests. Work histories, recreational exposures, protective equipment, medical histories, alcohol, smoking, and demographics were collected by questionnaire. Jet fuel, solvent, and noise exposure data were collected from records. Fuel exposure estimates were less than 34% of the OSHA Threshold Limit Values. Results: Subjects with 3 years of jet fuel exposure had a 70% increase in adjusted odds of hearing loss (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.14-2.53) and the odds increased to 2.41 (95% CI = 1.04-5.57) for 12 years of noise and fuel exposure. Conclusions: These findings suggest that jet fuel has a toxic affect on the auditory system.
Keywords
Auditory-system; Jet-engine-fuels; Toxic-effects; Toxic-vapors; Ototoxicity; Synergism; Hearing-impairment; Hearing-loss; Military-personnel; Noise-exposure; Demographic-characteristics; Exposure-assessment; Hearing-tests
Contact
Laura R. Kaufman, PhD, MD, Rocky Mountain Center for Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Utah, 391 Chipeta Way, Suite C, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
LauraKaufman@world.oberlin.edu
Identifying No.
Grant-Number-T42-OH-008414
Source Name
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Performing Organization
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah