ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINATION IN USS TECUMSEH

Johnson, J. E.; Chiantella, A. J.; Saunders, R. A.; Thomas, F. S.; Umstead, M. E.

ATMOSPHERIC CONTAMINATION IN USS TECUMSEH

Active / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD0368238 | Open PDF

Abstract:

A high percentage of the personnel of USS TECUMSEH Blue became ill after about 30 days submergence during the ships first patrol. In many cases symptons were quite severe. The characteristics of the illnesses strongly implicated a toxic agent rather than infection as the cause. Study of atmosphere samples and related information indicated that the illness was related to the high content of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the atmosphere. Although the specific toxicant has not been identified, two of the most likely suspects are dichloroacetylene and vinylidene chloride. There is also the possibility of the combined effect of a number of halogenated compounds. Elimination of chlorinated compounds in nuclear submarines should be an immediate goal.

Author(s):

Johnson, J. E. ; Chiantella, A. J. ; Saunders, R. A. ; Thomas, F. S. ; Umstead, M. E.

Author Organization(s):

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept.

Supplementary Note:

DOI: 10.21236/AD0368238

Pagination:

0034

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:

Approved For Public Release

Distribution Statement:

Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR

Identifying Numbers

Report Number(s):

NRL-6369

Monitor Series:

NRL

Subject Terms

Joint Capability Areas:

JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_8.2.4_Leverage Capacities and Capabilities of Security Establishments; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_1.4_Force Support; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_1.4.1_Force Health Protection; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance

Modernization Areas:

Fully Networked C3

Communities of Interest:

Biomedical

Descriptor(s):

*AIR POLLUTION, *SUBMARINE PERSONNEL, TOXICITY, VENTILATION, SAMPLING, CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERES, CONFINED ENVIRONMENTS, FLUID FILTERS, CLOSED ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS, NUCLEAR POWERED SHIPS, CONTAMINATION, RESPIRATION, MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Field(s)/Group(s):

Submarine Engineering

Keyword(s):

ACETYLENE DICHLORO, CLINICAL SYMPTOMS, SSBN 628 VESSEL, CHLORINE COMPOUNDS, HYDROCARBONS, HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS

Report Date:

1965 Nov 26