Problem Definition Study on Techniques and Methodologies for Evaluating the Chemical and Toxicological Properties of Combustion Products of Gun Systems. Volume 2. Facility Criteria for the Chemical and Toxicological Characterization of Gun Exhaust
Abstract
Rifles and large-caliber guns generate exhaust emissions as a result of combustion of propellant mixtures. The exhaust emissions are a complex mixture of chemical species, similar in many respects to other exhaust emissions (e.g., diesel exhaust and tobacco smoke) in terms of complexity, but also probably in terms of potential threat to human health. When the exhaust is discharged into the enclosed space of an armored vehicle, a soldier can be expected to inhale significant quantities of the material prior to its removal through the ventilating system. Even when the gun is fired in open space, muzzle exhaust can drift back over the operators and contaminate their breathing space. In this, the second phase, the criteria for a facility dedicated to the controlled generation, chemical and physical characterization, and toxicological evaluation of exhaust produced by weapons are defined. Emphasis was placed on how might such a facility be designed, what capabilities would be most appropriate, the practical aspects of and arrangements for generating exhaust products in a controlled manner and collecting them for both in vivo and in vitro toxicologic studies, and safeguards and security issues.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA205447
Entities
People
- Jack H. Moneyhun
- James D. Lore
- Robert H. Ross
- Roger A. Jenkins
- Tom M. Gayle
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory