Table 11. DoD guidance on preventing and reducing exposures to oil fire smoke
Date | Source | Summary of Guidance |
September 6, 1990 | 82nd Airborne Division Memorandum |
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) from oil fires can be lethal. Units may not operate or establish support sites within 100 m of well heads. |
September 23, 1990 | 101st Division - XVIII Corps | Do not inhale oil fire smoke due to CO and CO2. |
November 1990 | Foreign Science and Technology Center |
Warns of possible hazards associated with fires. |
November 1990 | 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Center for Naval Analysis | H2S from oil fires is toxic and colorless and is of particular concern. |
November 9, 1990 | US Central Command | H2S is a colorless, flammable and toxic compound known to produce a full range of affects on unprotected personnel. |
November 10, 1990 | Captains Memo | Discusses dangers of H2S and how to protect against them. |
November 14, 1990 | 1st Marine
Expeditionary Force Center for Naval Analysis Representative |
M17A1 mask is good for use near oil fires for 15 minutes. MOPP gear provides skin protection unless saturation of air occurs. |
November 14, 1990 | Foreign Science and Technology Center |
H2S is extremely toxic. M17A1 mask is effective against H2S. M8A1 chemical detectors are not useful. |
December 7, 1990 | Nuclear/Biological/Chemical Defense Division | Discusses hazards of H2S and zones of danger from oil wells. |
December 30, 1990 | 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment | Describes and invites US troops to an oil fire trench demonstration. |
January 1991 | US Army Intelligence Agency | Warns troops to stay 200+ meters away from fires. |
January 9, 1991 | VII Corps - Army Central Command | Different distances from the oil well fires have graded levels of danger. |
January 16, 1991 | 1st Marine Division Intelligence Officer | H2S is a highly toxic colorless gas that induces symptoms that mimic chemical warfare agents. Symptoms include tearing, salivation, vomiting, and rapid heart rate. |
February 13, 1991 | Commander Navy Sea Systems Command | Mask canisters require frequent change-out near oil well fires; H2S is hazardous, but unlikely to reach Navy personnel. |
February 13, 1991 | Commanding General 1st
Marine Expeditionary Force |
Discusses dangers of oil well fires and how to handle them. |
March 19, 1991 | US Interagency Air Quality Assessment Team |
Describes mild health effects and moderate risks associated with oil well fires. |
March 21, 1991 | Army Central Command Medical Command - Preventative Medicine Consultant |
Discusses protection measures from oil well fires. |
March 25, 1991 | Marine Command Surgeon - 1st Marine Expeditionary Force | Use masks and hoods when near oil well fires. |
April 11, 1991 | American Embassy Kuwait | Outlines specific steps in fighting oil well fires. |
September 1991 | A Company - 7th Battalion - 158th Aviation Regiment - 2nd Aviation Brigade | Directive for pilots to keep clear of fires. |
November 21, 1991 | NBC Defense Division, Space and Special Weapons | Describes severe effects from H2S and the use of protective gear. Also explains First Aid procedures for troops who have been exposed. |
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