A Toxicologic Evaluation of Body Armor Fragments 'in vivo'

Implantation of body armor fragments in the soldier could be a consequence of failure of the armor to protect the individual in combat. This study was an evaluation of the possible deleterious effects of candidate body armor materials implanted at various sites in animals. Boron carbide, Woven Roving PRD 49-IV yarn, Phillips 95-5XP film, and titanium were implanted subcutaneously in monkeys. All these materials plus calcium hexaboride, silicon hexaboride, and aluminum oxide were implanted subcutaneously in mice. No systemic toxicity either on a long- or short-term basis was identified. Local tissue reaction in excess of that found in controls was seen at the sites of silicon hexaboride implantation in mice, Phillips 95-5XP in monkeys, and Woven Roving in both animals. Malignant neoplasms were demonstrated with PRD 49-IV (4/110), Phillips 95-5XP film (4/30), and boron carbide (1/94) in mice. No subcutaneous tumors occurred at other than the implant sites.