Applications of Capstone Depleted Uranium Aerosol Risk Data to Military Combat Risk Management

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Health Physics, 96(3):380-392

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/01.HP.0000341958.98248.00· OSTI ID:949880

Daxon, Eric G; Parkhurst, MaryAnn; Melanson, Mark A; Roszell, Laurie E

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 take 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 (DoD) radiation risk management approach. The approach developed equates the Radiation Exposure Status (RES) categories to the estimated radiological risks of DU and makes use of the Capstone-developed Renal Effects Group (REG) 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.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 949880
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-63380; 400403209
• Journal Information: Health Physics, 96(3):380-392, Journal Name: Health Physics, 96(3):380-392 Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 96; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
AEROSOLS
AMMUNITION
DEPLETED URANIUM
INHALATION
MANAGEMENT
OXIDES
PERSONNEL
RADIATION DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS
RADIATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
RISK ASSESSMENT
US DOD
WEAPONS
depleted uranium policy
radiation exposure status
renal effects group