Kirchner, DB; Gaydos, JC; Battigelli, MC
The Soldier and the Industrial Base
The risks of exposure via inhalation, the skin, and the eyes to solid propellant combustion products such as carbon-monoxide (630080), ammonia (7664417), hydrogen-chloride (7647010), oxides of nitrogen and sulfur, and lead (7439921) in the army weapons system were considered. Potentially hazardous substances contained in projectiles were also addressed. Improvements in weapon systems have resulted in an increased possibility that military personnel will be exposed to combustion products. High rates of fire and large propellant volumes increase the level of combustion products produced. Air inside tanks and other mobile weapon systems may be contaminated by propellant combustion products from gun breaches. Primers and igniters may be part of the ignition train, and their combustion products may contribute to exposures. The composition and combustion products of gun propellants and rocket propellants were considered. Decoppering ammunition rounds, shell casings, bullets and projectiles may contribute to the contamination of the breathing zone. The use of depleted uranium (7440611) in projectiles may present a health risk under certain circumstances. The health effects of exposure to tissue asphyxiants, irritant gases, and inhalable metal particulates were discussed. Control measures were considered.