Abstract No:
1699
Abstract Type:
Student Poster
Authors:
M Klein1, E Wells2
Institutions:
1Purdue University, Lafayette, IN, 2Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Presenter:
Matthew Klein
Purdue University
Faculty Advisor:
Ellen Wells
Purdue University
Description:
Aviation gas (AVGAS) is a leaded fuel used in small aircraft. Harmful VOCs may be emitted from AVGAS emissions and when fueling planes. There is limited data on occupational exposure to AVGAS, so this pilot study aims to determine concentrations of benzene, toluene, hexane, and aromatic hydrocarbons in AVGAS exposures at small airports. Benzene exceeded the NIOSH REL-STEL of 1 ppm during fuel-related tasks. These data inform which VOC species to prioritize in a larger study on airport employee exposures.
Situation/Problem:
AVGAS contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may be emitted from emissions and while fueling planes. Some of these VOCs are linked to adverse neurological symptoms and cancer. To the best of our knowledge, no available VOC exposure studies on AVGAS exist. These data were gathered to determine which VOC species are present and which to prioritize in a larger study on airport employee exposures to AVGAS.
Methods:
This was a pilot study conducted at the Purdue University Airport and Purdue Transportation Service Shop. The exposure groups studied were AVGAS fuel loaders, small aircraft mechanics, and automotive mechanics. During high exposure tasks (worst-case exposure scenario), gas detector tubes sampled VOCs: benzene, toluene, hexane, and total aromatic hydrocarbons (n=3 per group; n=9 per analyte). A portable photoionization detector measured total VOCs in surrounding work areas. To characterize general working conditions, a PurpleAir monitor and noise dosimeter measured particulate matter and noise over 4 hours for each group (n=3). VOC data were analyzed using t-tests and Bayesian Decision Analysis. VOC species' concentrations were compared to available short-term exposure limits (STELs).
Results / Conclusions:
For specific VOCs, average concentrations ± standard deviations were (in order of fuel loaders, aircraft mechanics, automotive mechanics): benzene (10.54±4.49 ppm, 0.00±0.00 ppm, 1.63±2.81 ppm), toluene (26.7±15.3 ppm, 0.3±0.5 ppm, 9.2±10.1 ppm), hexane (167±29 ppm, 0±0 ppm, 3±5 ppm), and aromatic hydrocarbons (33.3±20.8 ppm, 0.2±0.3 ppm, 16.7±28.9 ppm). Benzene exceeded the NIOSH REL-STEL of 1 ppm during fuel-related tasks, including all fuel loader samples and one automotive mechanic sample. Benzene was not detected in any other samples. Toluene and hexane were below literature recommended STELs. Aromatic hydrocarbons have no recommended STEL, but were detected in all exposure groups. Fuel loader VOC concentrations were highest because samples were taken at the entrance of the fuel tank instead of near breathing zones. Thus, these data from fuel loaders can only represent the relative abundance of each VOC in AVGAS fumes, and not peak exposure levels for workers. Aircraft and automotive mechanic samples were similar, indicating that differences in mechanics' VOC exposure from differing fuel sources may be negligible.
All selected VOCs were found in AVGAS fumes when fueling planes. Benzene is of highest importance for all exposure groups, being the most toxic as a known human carcinogen, and the only one that exceeded recommended STELs. However, these measurements don't necessarily reflect worker exposures due to worst-case scenario sampling. Further research should confirm and study the extent of VOC exposure in employees who work with AVGAS.
Core Competencies:
Exposure Assessment
Secondary Core Competencies:
Chemical Sampling and Instrumental Analysis
Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes
Choose at least one (1), and up to five, (5) keywords from the following list. These selections will optimize your presentation's search results for attendees.
Aerosol and airborne particulate monitoring
Exposure Assessment
Gas and vapor detection
Indoor air quality
Based on the information that will be presented during your proposed session, please indicate the targeted audience practice level: (select one)
Practitioner: Practitioner is a job title given to persons in various occupational fields who are trained to assist professionals but are not themselves licensed or certified at a professional level by a certification body recognized by the National Accreditation Recognition (NAR) Committee of IOHA. The IH/OH practitioner performs tasks requiring significant knowledge and skill in the IH/OH field, such as conducting worker exposure monitoring and, in some cases, may even function independently of a professional IH/OH but may not be involved in the breadth of IH/OH practice nor have the level of responsibility of a professional IH/OH certified by examination.
The IH/OH practitioner requires a certain level of education that can be obtained from an accredited university or equivalent. Additional training in specific skill sets that provide additional career paths to the IH/OH practitioner can also be obtained. IH/OH practitioners may also serve as team leaders or project managers.
Was this session organized by an AIHA Technical Committee, Special Interest Group, Working Group, Advisory Group or other AIHA project Team?
No
Are worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis presented?
No
How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?
This pilot study helps shed light on which VOC species should be prioritized in AVGAS related exposures. It can help inform management practices for what to prioritize in exposure monitoring programs, and inform directions for a larger study on airport employee exposures.
Have you presented this information before?
No
I have read and agree to these guidelines.
Yes