Agent Fate -- Measurement Of Chemical Warfare Agent Persistence On Contaminated Surfaces Under Controlled Environmental Conditions
Abstract
An innovative 16 cell test fixture was constructed at the Kendall Combined Chemical Test Facility (CCTF) located at Dugway Proving Ground's West Desert Test Center to measure the vapor hazard of chemical warfare agents on contaminated surfaces under controlled environmental conditions. Vegetation, aged CARC coated steel, MHE coated steel and soil were tested at 35 deg C with 50% relative humidity (RH) and a wind speed of 1.65 miles per hour (mph). The test fixture accommodates 16 test items. At least two positive and two negative controls were included in each trial. Soman (GD) and VX were evaluated using two contamination levels: four 0.1 microliter (uL) drops of agent comprise the lower contamination level and one 40 microliter (uL) drop is used for the higher level. There is minimal GD vapor hazard 40 minutes after small drop deposition and 8 hours after large drop deposition on MHE coated steel. However there was a potential vapor hazard from GD evaporating from aged CARC or soil 24 hours after large drop agent deposition. VX vapor concentrations were still present above the minimum detection level 24 hours after agent deposition for both the small and large drop contamination levels. This fixture has shown some promising data on understanding the evaporation rates of chemical warfare agents from various substrates under consistent environmental conditions. The testing has indicated that contamination density is an important factor to consider. Also, some minimal amount of personal protection would be required for the quickest response after a chemical event. With additional testing the fixture will provide a more accurate look at the behavior of chemical evaporation. Procedure and policy makers will have additional information to assist them in their efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 16, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA449553
Entities
People
- Beryl Schwartz
- Tom Lindsey
- Travis Losser
- Wesley Ercanbrack