Mil Med Environ Crit

Abstract

This project investigates a quantitative means to determine the environmental and human health effects resulting from exposure to explosives, propellants, smokes and products containing nanomaterials and new and emerging compounds and materials produced or used in Army industrial, field and battlefield operations or disposed of through past activities. This research provides the basis for tools and methods to maintain sustainable lands and ranges and to protect the health of the Soldier and the extended Army community. The specific end results of this research include: determination of acceptable contaminant concentration levels for residual munitions constituents (MCs) and munitions and explosives of concern that minimize adverse effects on the environment and human health and the development of methods that guide the design of nanomaterials and other new and emerging materials such that adverse effects on human health or the environment are minimized in their designed state and when they enter the environment where they may break down. Performing research in genomics analysis, nanomaterial technologies, computational/molecular modeling tools for toxicity and exposure assessment; impacts of climate change on chemical and biological processes; and attributes of sustainable energy production further reduces the uncertainty associated with both the probability of exposure and the ultimate effect if exposed. Results of this research will be integrated into the life cycle analysis process. Interim products are US Environmental Protection Agency approved health advisories and criteria documents to be used in risk assessment procedures. The Army uses these criteria during negotiations with regulatory officials to set scientifically and economically appropriate cleanup and discharge limits at Army installations. Work in this project supports the Army S&T Innovation Enablers (formerly Enduring Technologies) Portfolio. The cited work is consistent with the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering Science and Technology priority focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy and supports the Army Strategy for the Environment. Work in this project is performed by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2014
• Source ID: 835_0602720A_2_2040_PB_2014

Tags

Readers

• Defense Technology Research and Development.
• Environmental Remediation and Restoration.
• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.