Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search
File: aabxr_01.txtSUBJECT: Chemical Protection Provided by M17A Mask MEMORANDUM FOR AF/SGP 7 DEC l990 AF/SGP AF/SG IN TURN SUBJECT: Chemical Protection Provided by M17A Gas Mask During a morning meeting on 7 Dec 90, General Miller asked Col McConnell about the protection of individuals wearing the M17A gas mask when exposed to combustion products of "sour crude". A fire of this type would produce hydrogen sulfide as well as aldehydes, ketones, cyclic aromatics, other light hydrocarbons, cyanide, etc. To get the answers I contacted Capt David Carpenter (OEHL/EHI) and Capt Brian Scott (occupational health resident at the Chemical Warfare Defense School, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD.) The M17A gas mask contains an activated charcoal filter and is equipped with a high particulate air prefilter. The mask is approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It has a protection factor of 2,000. However, the amount of adsorbent in the mask filters is inadequate to protect wearers against exposures to high concentrations of crude oil combustion products for greater than 15 to 20 minutes. Although the mask provides protection against aced and sulfur compounds, it provides only limited protection against light hydrocarbons, e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, methane, ethane, etc. Authorities indicated that these products would result in filter breakthrough within 15 minutes and protection from all chemicals would be lost. [(b)(6)] RICHARD L. SHAFER, Colonel, USAF, BSC Chief' Environmental Health Office of the Surgeon General
Document Page: First | Prev | Next | All | Image | This Release | Search