World first research study on jet fuel exposure syndrome looking for participants

(PhysOrg.com) -- Mater Medical Research Institute researchers affiliated with The University of Queensland will lead the first study into the health implications of working with aviation fuels and F-111 deseal/reseal agents.

The study will be led by Metabolic Disease Consultant, Professor Frank Bowling, Director of Biochemical Diseases at the Mater Children's Hospital and Professor of Medical Biochemistry at The University of Queensland.

The multi-million dollar study was launched by Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, at UQ's Centre for Military and Veteran's Health which will co-ordinate the project.

The Jet Fuel Exposure Syndrome Study is in response to a parliamentary inquiry's report into F-111 workers and their families.

“I take very seriously the need to ensure the ongoing health of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force,” Mr. Snowdon said.

“Defence is undertaking world first, ground breaking research into the F-111 Deseal/Reseal exposure to look at possible DNA changes in these workers and what may be causing these changes.

“We hope this research will help us understand why some Defence personnel became very ill after working with jet fuels and solvents on the F-111 programs and possibly help us to prevent it ever happening again,” Mr. Snowdon said.

The Study is a collaborative project between the Defence Centre for Occupational Health and Mater Medical Research Institute and will focus on the relationship between exposure to jet fuels and solvents in the F-111 Deseal/Reseal programs and mitochondrial genetic changes.

Defence is seeking a range of volunteers for the Study:

• Current or past members of the Air Force who participated in one of the recognised F-111 Deseal/Reseal programs, including “Pick and Patch”;

• Current or previous members of the Air Force who were NOT involved in the F-111 Deseal/ Reseal programs and have NOT had direct exposure to F-111 jet fuel; and

• First degree relatives (parent, sibling, child) of someone who participated in one of the F-111 Deseal/Reseal programs.

“I would strongly encourage interested individuals to come forward and volunteer for this project.”