TAB H – DoD Guidance

Date	Source	Summary of Guidance
September 6, 1990	82^nd 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	101^st 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	1^st 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	Captain’s Memo	Discusses dangers of H₂S and how to protect against them.
November 14, 1990	1^st 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	3^rd 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	1^st 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 1^st 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 - 1^st 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 - 7^th Battalion - 158^th Aviation Regiment - 2^nd 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.