Eksponering for skyterøyk i pansrede kjøretøy

During firing inside armored vehicles, the personnel are exposed to gun smoke. In order to reveal the concentration it was decided to conduct measurements. In collaboration with the Norwegian defence, the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) selected two vehicles for measurements, the battle tank Leopard 2 (Leo2) and the combat vehicle CV90. As a modernized version of CV90 was delivered after completed measurements, and the modernized CV90 had a more powerful ventilation system, some measurements were also conducted in the modernized CV90. Measurements in Leo2 were performed during different firings: machine gun through the coax, 120 mm cannon and 27 mm sub caliber. In CV90 vehicles, measurements were done during firing with 30 mm plastic ammunition, 30 mm NM219 and NM245 together with machine guns. The results show that combat personnel occasionally were exposed to very high concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO). In Leo2, it was observed a particular high level of CO during shooting with the machine gun from the coax. At the same time, personnel were exposed to copper and lead (when leaded munitions were used) above recommended limits. It took some time (>20 min) before the firing emission was vented out of the vehicle, even when the ventilation system was activated and the hatches were in open position. It is likely that bursts of firing with the machine gun from the coax can cause a COHb level > 10%, where symptoms of poisoning will be noticeable. Exposure of CO during firing of the 120 mm cannon and the 27 mm sub caliber is not expected to cause poisoning symptoms. Exposure to metals did not pose a health risk when firing the 120 mm cannon or the 27 mm sub caliber. High concentrations of CO were also observed in CV90 when firing bursts of 30 mm ammunition, and it took some time before the firing emissions was vented out. Firing multiple shots during short time periods from the 30 mm cannon can cause a CO exposure that gives rise to a COHb level above 10%. During the firing, the level of lead can exceed the occupational limits, due to a lead containing primer cup. In the modernized CV90, the studies do not show a clear reduction in exposure to CO, although exposure to metals appeared to be reduced. Based on the results, FFI recommends that: the shooting with machine gun from the coax in Leo2 should be limited, a CO instrument should be installed in Leo2, the use of a particular respirator should be considered during high intensity shooting with the machine gun from the coax in Leo2, all hatches except the drivers’ should be set into open position during shooting in Leo2 and CV90, the ventilation system in Leo2 and CV90 should be set to highest intensity during shooting and be left on until the smoke is evacuated, and the use of a particular respirator should be considered when multiple shots with 30 mm cannon in CV90 are fired in short time. The military occupational healthcare authorities should measure the COHb levels in personnel after shooting in Leo2 and CV90 and assess whether there is a need for health monitoring of lead in CV90 personnel. The Armed Forces should assess the exercise pattern to avoid exposure to high emissions from firing. When modernizing Leo2 or on acquisition of a new battle tank, the Armed Forces should focus on better ventilation and the need for a machine gun which do not expose personnel for gun emissions.