When kerosene is burnt in aircraft engines, kerosene engine exhaust is released. This mixture of substances contains very small particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This can lead to respiratory diseases and probably also cancer. People who work at airports and other airfields are particularly exposed, mainly during work on the apron.
The Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) of the Health Council and the subcommittee on the Classification of Carcinogenic Substances investigated the carcinogenic properties of kerosene engine exhaust, and the health risks of occupational exposure to this mixture. The committee worked together with the Nordic Expert Group (NEG).
The committees propose classification of kerosene engine exhaust as a substance presumed to be carcinogenic (category 1B). Little research has been done on kerosene engine emissions as a mixture. However, it has been established that several substances in the mixture are carcinogenic. In addition, there are many similarities in composition between kerosene engine exhaust and diesel engine exhaust, a proven carcinogenic mixture for which a legally binding limit value applies.
The classification proposal of the committees is the first worldwide. Based on this proposal, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment may decide to include the mixture in a list of carcinogens in the working environment. In that case, employers are legally obliged to take additional measures to protect workers.
There are insufficient scientific data to derive a health-based occupational exposure limit for kerosene engine exhaust. This is a safe level of exposure in the workplace. The committees recommend maintaining the existing occupational exposure limits for individual substances in the mixture until more research is available.