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Washington Pulse
MRAP Trucks’ Glass Debris Is Hazardous to Troops
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by Sandra I. Erwin
The heavily armored trucks that U.S. troops drive in Iraq save lives and limbs every day, according to military officials. But they can cause long-term health problems, according to the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned. In a safety alert published last month, the center warned that ballistic glass powder that is created when MRAPs (mine resistant ambush protected vehicles) are struck by explosively formed projectiles can create safety and health hazards to personnel in the vehicles or those responding. The glass powder can cause asthma, skin rashes, allergic reactions, allergic sensitization, cancer and other long-term diseases, the alert said. Crew and recovery personnel involved in recent incidents have complained of respiratory (chest tightness, cough) and eye irritation.
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