Problem Definition Study on Techniques and Methodologies for Evaluating the Chemical and Toxicological Properties of Combustion Products of Gun Systems: Volume 2. Facility Criteria for the Chemical and Toxicological Characterization of Gun Exhaust: Final Report

摘要

Rifles and large-caliber guns generate exhaust emissions as a result of combustion of propellant mixtures. Combustion occurs under high temperature and pressure inside the gun until the projectile is ejected from the barrel. Chemical transformations continue to occur after the gases are ejected from the muzzle. The resulting exhaust emissions are a complex mixture of chemical species. The rifle and gun are ubiquitous to the military. Every soldier is likely to receive some exposure to the exhaust products. Unfortunately, information about the chemical and toxicological properties of the weapons exhaust mixture is limited. This is so, in part, because laboratory duplication of the gun environment, particularly for large-caliber weapons, is an untested but inherently complex task. In order to efficiently focus research efforts, a two phase study was initiated. In the first phase, a literature evaluation of techniques and methodologies was undertaken. In this, the second phase, the criteria for a facility dedicated to the controlled generation, chemical and physical characterization, and toxicological evaluation of weapons produced exhaust are defined. (ERA citation 14:018443)