IMPACT OF CHEMICAL AGENTS THREATS ON INCREASED HEALTH RISK AMONG AIR FORCE MILITARY PERSONNEL

Abstract: The specific nature of the work of Air Force soldiers involves exposure to defined chemical agents (jet fuel, kerosene, hydrazine, grease and hydraulic oils, exhaust fumes, deicing agents). Long-term exposure to certain chemical agents, such as jet fuel, following occupational exposure can cause damage to the skin, lungs, cardiovascular system, neurodegenerative changes, as well as genetic changes which in result can activate mechanisms promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation leading in turn to carcinogenic changes. Due to the inhalative nature of exposure and the possibility of direct impact on the upper respiratory tract and lungs, petroleum-based mutagenic chemical agents are an important factor in promoting cancer development. These agents can produce changes in the stability of genetic material that increase the likelihood of small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, leukemias, prostate cancer, melanoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, and many other cancers. Effects of jet fuels on DNA methylation level associated with the formation of heritable epigenetic changes have also been observed.