Environmental Exposure Report

Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC)

Final Report

July 27, 2000

Many veterans of the Gulf War have expressed concern that their unexplained illnesses may result from their experiences in that war. In response to veterans’ concerns, the Department of Defense established a task force in June 1995 to investigate those incidents and circumstances relating to possible causes. The Office of the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Gulf War Illnesses assumed responsibility for these investigations on November 12, 1996.

Environmental Exposure Reports are reports of what we know today about certain events of the 1990-1991 Gulf War. This particular environmental exposure report focuses on the use of chemical agent resistant coating (CARC). The purpose of this report is to discuss the CARC painting activities conducted in the Kuwait Theater of Operations, describe possible health effects associated with exposure to CARC, and present recommendations for improvements in policy about CARC application. The narrative was initially published on February 22, 2000. Since that time, the Office of the Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses received new information which indicates that some civilian painters from Anniston, Alabama have experienced some medical problems which they attribute to their use of CARC paint during the Gulf War. No other information which contradicts the material presented here was received, nor have any additional leads developed to change the narrative’s assessments. Additionally, the Presidential Special Oversight Board reviewed the narrative and recommended that the Office of the Special Assistant republish it as final. For this reason, this is a final report. However, if you believe you have information which may change this case narrative, please contact my office by calling:

1-800-497-6261

Bernard Rostker
Special Assistant for Gulf War Illnesses
US Department of Defense

2000161-0000003 Ver 2.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. SUMMARY
 
II. METHODOLOGY
A. Determine Chronology of Events
B. Determine Proper Standards and Procedures
C. Review Technical Specifications
D. Determine Possible Health Effects of Compounds of Concern
E. Review Medical Follow-up
 
III. DESCRIPTION OF CARC
A. What is CARC?
B. Technical Specifications
C. Health Considerations
1.  Identification of Compounds of Concern
2. Possible Health Effects of Hexamethylene Diisocyanate and Solvents
D. Occupational Safety and Health Guidance
 
IV. USE OF CARC DURING OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD AND DESERT STORM
A. Overview
B. Painting Protocol During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
C. Major Paint Operations
1. Department of Army Civilians / 900th Maintenance Company at the Port of Ad Dammam
2. 325th Maintenance Company
3. Other Sites
D. Health and Safety Inspections of the CARC Painting Operations
E. Marine Corps Painting Operations
F. Air Force and Navy Painting Operations
G.  Post-War Guidance
 
V. MEDICAL FOLLOW-UP OF THE 325th MAINTENANCE COMPANY
 
VI. CONCLUSIONS
 
VII. LESSONS LEARNED
 
TAB A - Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Glossary
 
TAB B - Bibliography
 
TAB C - CARC Paint Specifications and Formulations
 
TAB D - Examples of Solvents Contained in CARC and Paint Thinner Used During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
 
TAB E - Occupational Safety and Heath Guidance
 
TAB F - Changes in this Report
 
END NOTES
 

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