[slightly OT] Dressed to kill

G'day guys,

Thought a few of you may find this interesting (then again maybe not), given
the recent discussion of weather and its effects on the battlefield.

Beth

> [quoted text omitted]
Authors Young AJ. O'Brien C. Sawka MN. Gonzalez RR. Title Physiological
problems associated with wearing NBC protective clothing during cold weather
Source
Aviation Space & Environmental Medicine. 71(2):184-189, 2000 Feb.
Abstract This report considers how thermal balance of soldiers wearing
nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protective clothing in combination with
the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) is affected during work in
cold weather. A review of published reports concerning physiological
consequences of wearing NBC protective clothing during cold exposure was

completed. The findings reported in the experimental literature were too

limited to adequately forecast the effects of adding NBC clothing to ECWCS. To
remedy the information gap, simulation modeling was employed to predict body
temperature changes during alternating bouts of exercise and rest throughout 8
h of exposure to three different severely cold conditions. Published findings
indicate that NBC protective clothing may

inadequately protect against hand and finger cooling, especially during rest
following strenuous activity. No evidence substantiates suggestions

that wearing NBC protective masks increases susceptibility to facial
frostbite. Collectively, die limited experimental work and the results of
simulation modeling argue against any increased risk of hypothermia associated
with wearing NBC protective clothing while working in the cold. However,
wearing NBC protective clothing during strenuous activity in cold weather may
increase the risk of hyperthermia, and cause sweat accumulation in clothing
which may compromise insulation and increase the risk of hypothermia during
subsequent periods of inactivity.
[References:
19]

Well having actually worn the NBC suit during cold weather while doing just
mildly strenous activity I have some things to add. It got real cold where I
was and wearing the NBC suit caused a few problems. It was not so bad while
you were active but sweat tended to build up under the hood and in the gloves.
Once you stopped moving you got chilled immediately and actually had ice
forming on the inside. And never forget to drain the boots. It is amazing how
much liquid accumalates there and it could be called a gas weapon in its own
right. After a couple of hours in this stuff your efficiency rate takes a
severe nose dive. Lets all pray that the stuff never gets used for real.

That Chuk Guy

P.S. anybody in the Okinawa area?

> G'day guys,