Effects of a desealant formulation, SR-51 ® and its individual components on the oxidative functions of mitochondria

The Royal Australian Air Force has reported that personnel involved in F-111 fuel tank maintenance were concerned that exposure to a range of chemicals during the period 1977–mid-1990s was the cause of health problems. Particular concern was directed at a desealant chemical mixture known as SR-51 ®. The current study, using in vitro submitochondrial assays, was designed to investigate the relative toxicities of the four components of SR-51 ® (Aromatic 150 solvent (Aro150), dimethylacetamide (DMA), thiophenol (TP) and triethylphosphate (TEP)). Based on the EC 50 values, TP and Aro150 were the most toxic components and were markedly more toxic than TEP and DMA.