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Philip Smart | Adelaide

A Department of Defence study in to the effects of jet fuel and solvents on the health of former F-111 Deseal/Reseal Defence personnel has revealed cellular changes in those studied, but not of a type expected to have immediate or adverse effects on their health.

Defence’s Senior Physician in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Doctor Ian Gardner explained that the Jet Fuel Exposure Syndrome (JFES) study utilised the latest university and medical research technologies into molecular and genetic aspects of cell biology. The study found small but persistent cellular effects many years after exposure.
 
“The study found that while the kerosene component of jet fuel could adversely affect cells, the damage to cellular function is not expected to have immediate or adverse health effects,” Dr Gardner explained.
 
The study did not find any evidence of genetic or chromosomal damage in cells exposed to jet fuel or the deseal/reseal solvents.

Dr Gardner explained that a positive finding was that there is no evidence found for the Jet Fuel to cause genetic or chromosomal damage that could lead to cancers.
 
“DVA and Defence are continuing to work on studies such as the 4th Update to the F-111 Mortality and Cancer Incidence Study and the ADF Firefighter Study which are being finalised,” Dr Gardner said.
 
The $3 million JFES Study was undertaken by researchers at the Mater Medical Research Institute in Brisbane led by Prof Frank Bowling.

The JFES Study resulted from initial research work undertaken by Air Force personnel.

Defence will continue to implement practical measures, such as safe systems of work and the use of protective equipment, to minimise exposure to JP8 fuel and its components and will consider long term monitoring of its members who are, or have been, occupationally exposed to fuels and solvents.

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