Gulf oil catastrophe critical

File: 011696_92_4_009.txt
Page: 009
Total Pages: 18







         KERO-SO                                             21 March 1991


         @ ORANDUM FOR STAFF X M ERS/DAG TEAM CHIEFS

         SUBJECT: Health Threat From Oil Well Fires - INFOPMTION PAPER


         1. PROBLEt4: Several employees have expressed concern over the
         long term health effects of exposure to the smoke and particulate
         matter coming from the oil well fires.

         2. INFORMATION:      Today, I discussed these concerns with MEDCOM
         (FWD) Co=ander,, LTC Bruss, and he provided me a copy of the info
         that he provided all medical units.       His information came from
         Colonel Pearlman, the ARCENT MEDCOX           Preventative Medicine
         Consultant. In essence,, the information is as follows:

             a.   No major healti hazard exists from routine exposure to
         smoke coming'from the burning oil wells.       The smoke does cause
         irritation to the eyes and the upper respiratory tract.
             b. Soot produced b@ burning oil can cau'se skin irritation with
         prolonged e*posure. When working in close proximity to the burning
         wells,, individuals should wear sleeves down, use surgical or
         nuisance dust masks (such as we are providing), and goggles. We
         need to come up with goggles for.those teAm--- in the immediate areas
         in Question.

             C.    Personnel with asthma      or other previous respiratory
         illnesses should avoid working in an areas of close proximity to
         burning oil wells.

             d. When riding in areas of burning oil wells, and probably in
         all other areas of this.'vicinity, vehicle windows should be kept
         closed and use the air conditioners. I an certain that there is a
         residual amount of oil in the surrounding air at all times and
         every effort should be made to-avoid it if possible.

         3. In a related issue, several employees have encountered upper
 stated that this is a common
         occurrence to new arrivals in qountry and should disappear within
         a'couple of weeks;talthough, some individuals never shake it and
         should be considered for re-deployment to CONUS if symptoms
         persist.

         4. RECOMMMMATION:      Our employees need to use common sense and
         make an effort to reduce their personal exposure as much as
         possible and by doing so, based on MEDCON findings, there should be
         no major problems.

         S. Please pass this information along to all employees.

         of: CESAT-SO                                             TRENT/SAFETY
Box ID = BX000000
Unit = CONST ENG LABS  
Parent Organization = ;CORPS OF ENGS  
Folder Title = SMITH PAPERS POST GULF WAR RECOVERY                                                             
Subject = Gulf oil catastrophe critical
Document Number =         92
Image file name = 00000029.tif