Toxic encephalopathy with seizures secondary to ingestion of composition C-4. A clinical and electroencephalographic study | Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)

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Citation
Tags

HERO ID

630096

Reference Type

Journal Article

Title

Toxic encephalopathy with seizures secondary to ingestion of composition C-4. A clinical and electroencephalographic study

Author(s)

Ketel, WB; Hughes, JR

Year

1972

Is Peer Reviewed?

Journal

Neurology
ISSN: 0028-3878
EISSN: 1526-632X

Volume

Issue

Page Numbers

871-876

Language

English

PMID

4673417

Abstract

Composition C-4 is a soft putty-like "plastic" explosive that is widely used throughout the Republic of South Vietnam by the U.S. Armed Forces. This explosive is found in Claymore land mines and in standard demolition kits. A blasting cap is required to accomplish detonation. Composition C-4 burns easily and gives off intense heat without exploding and, therefore, is frequently used by soliders in the field or in base camps to heat food. It is often carelessly used for this purpose, resulting in accidental ingestion or prolonged exposure to its fumes while it burns.