Chemical Composition and Toxicity Assessment of Pyrotechnic Obscurant Munitions
Abstract
The procedures to assess the toxicological and environmental impact of pyrotechnic obscurant munitions requires detailed knowledge on the mass and distribution of the chemical species produced, in order to comply with national, and international laws. This paper will describe the various techniques the UK are assembling to assess obscurant pyrotechnic munitions. The chemical species generated in the by-products of combustion and those found in the residue following ignition, are determined by controlled laboratory tests. Combustion of the pyrotechnic composition is performed within a Parr bomb chamber, with an air atmosphere pressurized to 10(exp 6) Pa. The resultant chemical species are analyzed using a combination of thermogravimetry - FTIR analysis, thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and aqueous extraction techniques. The probabilistic field trial concentration and dosages during dissemination of the obscurant screen are determined as a function of meteorological conditions and topography using the computer program SCIPUFF. Any hazard to personnel can then be assessed by comparison with exposure limits published by the UK Health and Safety Executive. The description of these analytical techniques will be illustrated by examples from the recent assessment of the L84A1 hand thrown smoke grenade.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA365467
Entities
People
- Colin J. Hutchinson
- Grahame W. Poulson
- Ian Welford
- Peter J. Collins