Evelyn Chao presents her Doctoral Dissertation Final Oral Defense on May 12th

Limited research has been conducted on dermal exposure and risk assessment due to the lack of reliable measurement techniques for quantitative risk assessment. To date, no studies have been conducted to investigate the contribution of JP-8 exposure through the dermal route and/or the potential health impact and contribution of dermal exposure in occupationally exposed populations. In this study, I investigated the use of a tape-strip technique coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis to measure dermal exposure to JP-8 in both a laboratory and an occupational setting. The estimated dermal exposure to JP-8 in U.S. Air Force fuel-cell maintenance workers was observed to correspond well with the exposure scenarios and to correlate highly with a potential health risk (skin irritation), protection control (use of booties), work situation (work inside the fuel tank), and the exposure duration. Dermal exposure to JP-8, in conjunction with inhalation exposure, was observed to contribute significantly to the total body dose. This study demonstrates the efficiency and suitability of the tape-strip technique for the assessment of dermal exposure to JP-8 and that naphthalene can serve as a useful marker of exposure and uptake of JP-8.

Committee Members:
Dr. Leena A. Nylander-French, Advisor
Dr. Michael R. Flynn
Dr. Lawrence L. Kupper
Dr. Stephen M. Rappaport
Dr. Marc L. Serre

For further information please contact Rebecca Riggsbee Lloyd by email at Rebecca_Lloyd@unc.edu