Assessing the Carcinogenic Potential of Jet Fuels

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine whether exposures to jet fuels lead to cancer-related health effects. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted following the US EPA's IRIS handbook, incorporating epidemiologic, animal toxicological, and mechanistic studies. The carcinogenic potential of jet fuel was assessed according to EPA's 2005 Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment. RESULTS: Increased risks of various cancers, including kidney, bladder, and skin cancers, were observed in humans and animals exposed to jet fuels, which were supported by mechanistic data. CONCLUSIONS: The available studies provide suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential for jet fuels. However, uncertainty remains because of to the limited number of high-quality epidemiologic studies and the wide variety of jet fuel types examined. Further research is needed to establish a more definitive link between jet fuel exposure and cancer risk.