Airborne Dioxins, Furans, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Exposure to Military Personnel in Iraq

Abstract

Objectives The objective was to use ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) concentrations measured at Joint Base Balad in Iraq in 2007 to identify the sources of these species and their spatial patterns. Methods The ratios of the measured species were compared to literature data for likely emission sources. Using the multiple site measurements on specific days, contour maps have been drawn using inverse distance weighting (IDW). Results These analyses suggest multiple sources including the burn pit (primarily a source of PCDD/PCDFs), the transportation field (primarily as source of PAHs) and other sources of PAHs that include aircraft, space heating, and diesel power generation. Conclusions The nature and locations of the sources were identified. PCDD/PCDFs were emitted by the burn pit. Multiple PAH sources exist across the base.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins/Dibenzofurans in Microliter Samples of Human Serum as Exposure Indicators

“…7 Given the diversity of materials that are incinerated in burn pits and the nature of the combustion process, both of these compound classes are expected to be produced. The ambient measurements presented by Masiol et al 3 confirm that measurable ambient concentrations were observed and thus, personnel were likely to be exposed. The body burden of PAHs is generally assessed using hydroxy-PAHs (phase-1 metabolites) in urine.…”

“…It is possible to use ambient measurements to estimate the concentrations to which personnel were exposed if they served in areas where measurements were performed. 3 If time/activity patterns were available, exposures could then be estimated. However, it is generally difficult to obtain detailed time/activity relationships given the diversity of personnel and activities on forward deployment bases.…”

Source Apportionment of Airborne Dioxins, Furans, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons at a United States Forward Operating Air Base During the Iraq War

“…8 Briefly, the highest concentrations of PCDD/Fs were recorded at GT, whereas the highest PAH concentrations were measured at TF. Generally, preliminary analyses including scatter plots and the maps presented in Masiol et al 8 indicated at least two sources of airborne pollutants at JBB.…”

“…The last two monitoring sites were near “living areas” in JBB: H-6 housing (H6) and the contingency aeromedical staging facility (CASF, CA). Sampling and analytical procedures were summarized elsewere, 7,8 and generally followed US-EPA TO-9A and TO-13A methods. 10 …”

“…The daily levels of total airborne (particulate + gaseous phase) polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs), -furans (PCDFs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were quantified at JBB in 2007. Raw data and some preliminary analyses are presented in a companion paper, 8 along with an analysis of the potential exposure of military personnel and maps of concentrations. Here, several receptor modeling methods were applied to the data.…”