Results of a Workshop on Health Effects of Crude Oil Exposures Related to Operation Desert Storm.
Abstract
On 14 and 15 February 1991, a workshop was held to identify the potential health effects of crude oil exposures as they might occur in the field under combat situations. The most significant findings and recommendations of the workshop were: If at all possible, stay out of refineries, petrochemical plants, terminal facilities, desalinization plants and other related facilities due to the extremely high inherent hazards presented by the chemicals that may be present. No significant acute medical problems were identified with skin contact with crude oil, nor were problems foreseen with most aspects of casualty care. Prolonged contact may, however, result in an impairment of physical performance due to the weight of soaked clothing, the odor (nauseating to some), increased heat stress from decreased sweating, and such. Troops should be warned not to use solvents such as gasoline, diesel fuel, or kerosene to remove the oil, because the resulting defatting of the skin will make them more prone to dermatitis, secondary skin infections, and increased absorption of chemical warfare (CW) agents. Exposure to the plumes from burning oil fields was judged to be at least as hazardous as similar exposures from other fossil fuel fires or forest fires, in that the primary effects would be eye and nasal irritation and smoke inhalation. Operation Desert Storm, Crude Oil, Health Effects, Field Exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA250663
Entities
People
- A. Vinegar
- D. A. Macys
- D. E. Dodd
- J. F. Risher
- R. L. Carpenter