Applications of Capstone depleted uranium aerosol risk data to military combat risk management.
Risks to personnel engaged in military operations include not only the threat of enemy firepower but also risks from exposure to other hazards such as radiation. Combatant commanders of the U.S. Army carefully weigh risks of casualties before implementing battlefield actions using an established paradigm that takes these risks into consideration. As a result of the inclusion of depleted uranium (DU) anti-armor ammunition in the conventional (non-nuclear) weapons arsenal, the potential for exposure to DU aerosols and its associated chemical and radiological effects becomes an element of the commanders' risk assessment. The Capstone DU Aerosol Study measured the range of likely DU oxide aerosol concentrations created inside a combat vehicle perforated with a DU munition, and the Capstone Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) estimated the associated doses and calculated risks. This paper focuses on the development of a scientific approach to adapt the risks from DU's non-uniform dose distribution within the body using the current U.S. Department of Defense radiation risk management approach. The approach developed equates the Radiation Exposure Status categories to the estimated radiological risks of DU and makes use of the Capstone-developed Renal Effects Group as a measure of chemical risk from DU intake. Recommendations are provided for modifying Army guidance and policy in order to better encompass the potential risks from DU aerosol inhalation during military operations.
Daxon
Eric G
EG
Battelle San Antonio Operations, 4100 Piedras Drive East, Suite 185, San Antonio, TX 78228-1425, USA. daxone@battelle.org
Parkhurst
Mary Ann
MA
Melanson
Mark A
MA
Roszell
Laurie E
LE
D000336:Aerosols / Q000032:analysis*; D000398:Air Pollution, Radioactive / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000465:Algorithms; D001610:Beta Particles; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005389:Firearms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D047830:Gulf War; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D011850:Radioactive Waste / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management / Q000379:methods; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014501:Uranium / Q000032:analysis*; D014857:Warfare
D000336:Aerosols; D011850:Radioactive Waste; D014501:Uranium