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Fourth study of mortality and cancer incidence in aircraft maintenance personnel: a continuing study of F-111 Deseal/Reseal personnel 2016
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This release
AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (2016) Fourth study of mortality and cancer incidence in aircraft maintenance personnel: a continuing study of F-111 Deseal/Reseal personnel 2016, AIHW, Australian Government, accessed 24 June 2026.
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Between 1974 and 2000, the Royal Australian Air Force undertook a series of formal Deseal/Reseal (DSRS) programs, alongside informal repair activities, to correct fuel leaks inside the fuel tanks of F-111 aircraft. A number of concerns were raised about health outcomes in personnel who worked on these programs and associated activities. The repair work was suspended in 2000, and a series of inquiries and health studies followed. This report presents the findings of the fourth iteration of a series of studies on mortality and cancer incidence of F-111 DSRS personnel. The report will be a valuable resource for policy makers, program managers and health professionals interested in health outcomes of Australian Defence Force personnel.
F-111 Deseal/Reseal personnel were 23–30% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than non-exposed personnel
F-111 Deseal/Reseal personnel experienced 27% lower mortality compared with non-exposed Amberley personnel
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