IMPACT OF PETROLEUM INDUSTRY EXPLOSION 17 NOV

File: 970101_sep96_decls52_0004.txt
Page: 0004
Total Pages: 5

Subject: IMPACT OF PETROLEUM INDUSTRY EXPLOSION 17 NOV                   

Unit: OTSG        

Parent Organization: HSC         

Box  ID: BX003205

Folder Title: IMPACT OF PETROLEUM INDUSTRY EXPLOSION                                                          

Document Number:          1

Folder Seq  #:          5








               .HeaLth Impact of  Site Specific Petroleum Industry Explosion
                                  in the Middle East Region


       1. This report addresses the health threat of an explosion resulting from a
       terrorist action, or overt bombing, with the possibility of chemical agents
       being employed in conjunction with the explosion, and subsequent fige at
       @ddle East petroleum industry facilities. In addition. a discussion of the
       impact of exposure to the toxic substances releasedigenerated by such an
       explosion an the M-17 and M-40 mask performance is included.

       2. In general, any individual within 500 feet of an explosion at an oil
       refinery will be killed due to the percussive impact of the explosion, the
       extreme temperatures generated by the explosion and fire, and the consumption
       of oxygen at ground level by the fire. outside the 500 foot radius, the M-17
       or M-40 mask will provide significant protection against airborne acids. and
       sulfur compourldc; but only limited protection against light hydrocarbons
       (e.g. . methane, ethylene, propylene. butylene, benzene. toluene, xylene.
       hexanes, etc.). Uader most circumstances, military personnel could expect up
       to 15 minutes of protection before significant saturation, and breakthrough
       occurred. Refineries employing processes which utilize hydrocreaters,
       reformers, alkylation, or isomerization units represent the greatest health
       risks since these facilities emplay'Hydrogen Salfide (H2S), Hydrofluoric acid
       (FF), or Hydrochloric acid (HCL).   Exposure to any of these i;ubsrances will.
       sharply reduce mask effectiveness (50 percent or more). In addition, chat;u
       substances are extremely irritating, capable of causing severe chemicul burns
       to the skin or mucous membranes. The currently issued Mission Oriented
       Protective Posture (MOPP) ensemble will provide skin protection from tlip
l saturation occurs througn a major exposure.

       3. Oil Refineries located in strategic areas, employing the processes
       mentioned above are listed below by country and city. Additional. hazards from
       HzS and/or EF/[iCL are listed by * and **, respectively-

            Saudi Arabia         Kuwait              United Arab Emirates
            Ras Tanuraw          Kin& Al-Abdulla%    Rumwais-
            Al Jubailwi**        Mina Al-@tadi*      Umm 4.1-Nar*
            Yanbu*               Kina Al-Zour
            Riyadh*/**           Shuaiba*
            Jcddah*
            Al-Khafi


            Qarar                Bahrain             Otiulii
            Umm Sa;-dv           Sibra               Fdna- Al-Fahal*

          Civilian populations in the vicinity of oil refineries are at
       Significantly higher risk from toxic exposures in the absence of chemical
       Protective clothing and steaks. If intelligence sugpests that an attack is
       .@nent consideration should be given to evacaatiiia or providing protective
       nsembles to the civilians in the area.

Document 5 f:/Week-36/BX003205/IMPACT OF PETROLEUM INDUSTRY EXPLOSION/impact of petroleum industry explosion 17 nov:12249609313853
Control Fields 17
File Room = sep96_declassified
File Cabinet = Week-36
Box ID = BX003205
Unit = OTSG
Parent Organization = HSC
Folder Title = IMPACT OF PETROLEUM INDUSTRY EXPLOSION
Folder Seq # = 5
Subject = IMPACT OF PETROLEUM INDUSTRY EXPLOSION 17 NOV
Document Seq # = 1
Document Date =
Scan Date =
Queued for Declassification = 01-JAN-1980
Short Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Long Term Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Permanent Referral = 01-JAN-1980
Non-Health Related Document = 01-JAN-1980
Declassified = 24-DEC-1996