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Particulate Matter Emissions from Gun Firing
Citation:
Holder, A., B. Gullett, J. Weinstein, K. McNesby, AND J. Aurell. Particulate Matter Emissions from Gun Firing. SERDP Symposium, Washington,DC, November 27 - 29, 2018.
Impact/Purpose:
The health and environmental impact of firing ranges is not well known, in part , due to the lack of information on pollutant emissions from gun firing. In this study, particulate matter emissions from firing an M4 carbine were characterized to provide information to support health and environmental exposure work. Muzzle emissions were sampled and continuously monitored for PM number and mass size distribution, chemical composition, and particle morphology. Three types of ammunition were used: a “Legacy” (Viet Nam era) round, the common M855 round, and its variant, an M855 round with added potassium salt (KNO3) to reduce muzzle flash. Almost all of the emitted particles were in the respirable size range, with majority of the number in the smallest size fraction (< 28 nm). Initial mass distributions were dominated by the smallest particles that aggregated into larger particles shortly after being emitted from the muzzle. PM was primarily composed of copper and lead along with carbonaceous material (e.g. soot) and other metals derived from the propellant, jacket and core of the bullet. The particles were generally spherical and individual particles were composed of carbon, oxygen, and a variety of metals. The presence of toxic metals and the small size make of the PM emissions from gun firing make these emissions potential harmful for human health.
Description:
The health and environmental impact of firing ranges is not well known, in part due to the lack of information on pollutant emissions from gun firing. In this study particulate matter emissions from firing an M4 carbine were characterized to provide information to support health and environmental exposure work. Muzzle emissions were sampled and continuously monitored for PM number and mass size distribution, chemical composition, and particle morphology. Three types of ammunition were used: a “Legacy” (Viet Nam era) round, the common M855 round, and its variant, an M855 round with added potassium salt (KNO3) to reduce muzzle flash. Almost all of the emitted particles were in the respirable size range, with majority of the number in the smallest size fraction (< 28 nm). Initial mass distributions were dominated by the smallest particles that aggregated into larger particles shortly after being emitted from the muzzle. PM was primarily composed of copper and lead along with carbonaceous material (e.g. soot) and other metals derived from the propellant, jacket and core of the bullet. The particles were generally spherical and individual particles were composed of carbon, oxygen, and a variety of metals. The presence of toxic metals and the small size make of the PM emissions from gun firing make these emissions potential harmful for human health.