Tweet
I am an IBCLC nurse working on an Air Force Base. One of my active duty clients was told she will have to return to her job on the flight line in the next few weeks. As an aircraft maintance worker, her primary concern is her exposure to JP-8, jet fuel. She is currently breast feeding an 8 month old. Do you know of any recommendations for this situation? Thank you
-
-
DOTK:
The data on JP-8 fuel seems to suggest that repeated and extensive exposure to this fuel may produce systemic side effects such as neuropathy, tingling or numbness of extremities and other CNS symptoms of exposure. Of course this all requires significant exposure to produce these symptoms.
My suggestion would for this lady to limit her exposure using gloves, and other protective gear as much as possible. But if she does get some on the skin, simply wash quickly with detergent and water. The main ingredient of concern is Hexane, which clears rapidly from the plasma.
I understand from reading that after exposure to this fuel, users sometimes complain of an unusual taste and smell for some time. If so, this mom should not breastfeed after heavy exposure or suffering these symptoms.
If the mom has absorbed this product, it will without doubt enter milk significantly. I would urge caution for this mom.
Tom Hale Ph.D.
Comment