Mil-H-19457B is a version of hydraulic fluid that was discontinued by the navy because of concerns about it neuro-toxicity. Mil-H-19457B is an organophosphate base hydraulic fluid.  It can be absorb dermally, through obvious skin contact, inhalation by breathing it in aerosol form.  One document on the internet suggested that you would have to ingest a gallon of cellulube for it to cause harm. Obviously no one human in there right mind would think of drinking this stuff. Most crewmembers who worked around electro hydraulic system such as the aircraft elevator pump room, emergency steering systems,deck winches and ordinace systems during my period of service which was prior to 1976, I do not believe were aware of the potential dangers from exposure to cellulube.The seals in pumping systems broke dwn because of the corrosive nature of cellulube resulting in leakage on the deck and machinery surfaces resulting in allot of cleaning up with bails of rags. This stuff had a tendancy to cause the paint on the machinery surfaces to soften and blister or peal away from the machinery surface. Aircraft elevators HP/LP systems have accumilators which because of compromised seals have a tendency to aerosol the cellulube in the confine spaces of the pump room with limited ventilation. Currently spills are treated as hazardous material but during my period of active it certainly was not treated that way atleast in the A-2 division crew of which I was a part of. I later found out that they were procedures in place that address the protection required in dealing with cellulube but it obviously was not adhere to. Since getting out of service I have had major respiratory problems,extremity fatique, weakness and pain that got worse over the years. My condition is symtomatic problems that even the navy conceeded could be caused by cellulube in documentation I requested and received. Hence the reason I am trying to find others that may not be aware of the potential danger that they were expose to. Some of them might probably have similiar symptoms but have yet to connect their condition with the exposure.  Anyone out the that experience any respiratory, myopathy or problems associated with extremity weakness or fatique after working with cellulube, it is important that you get hold of me. God bless and the best of health to you all

When I was instucting at the Naval Gunnery School (1977 to 1987) at Great Lakes, IL we were very much aware that MIL-H-19457B was toxic and a hazmat item.  All of our students were told about the possible health problems that it posed.  The incident on the USS SPRINGFIELD as described happened during the late l960s.  Even then, there was much concern about exposure to the stuff -- hence all of the decontamination procedures that followed the cracked or broken fitting that released it into the missile house.  This was a very high profile issue at the time because SPRINGFIELD was ComSixthFlt flagship. 

 

However, I also believe that various commands were lax in enforcing safety procedures for various toxic substances that were in widespread use on various military systems.  Safety tends to get lost in the shuffle in many cases, only to come back to bite people years after the damage is done from exposures. 

 

It is my understanding that the old formulation (MIL-H-19457B) was reformulated in MIL-H-18457C and its color is now blue.  The reformulation was to retain the high pressure and fire resistant properties of the original and to cure the other problems inherient in the earlier formulation.  (How well it did, I don't know, but the stuff is still a hazmat item.)  It is still used in high temperature and high pressure systems aboard ship.  Cellulube 200 is obsolete; the current stuff is called Fyrquel 200 -- probably MIL-H-18457C. 

 

I am sorry that you've developed problems from exposure to this stuff.  Many of the hydraulic fluids that are used in systems are very toxic to humans and this is only one.  I sincerely hope that you are able to get the medical attention that you need because the effects of this stuff don't go away.

 

One of the nastiest chemicals used around ordnance is OTTO II fuel used in torpedo engines.  I had my first run-in with this stuff in the early 1970's with an engineer working on the Mk 48 torpedo engine.  Fueling/defueling the torpedo is where the greatest exposure risk exists and techs have to wear respirators and hazmat suits because of the danger.  Once loaded into the torpedo, the risk is no longer significant -- it's the fueling/defueling where the risk is.  The stuff can detonate -- if you put a blasting cap under a gallon bucket of the stuff -- and the results are dramatic! 

 

In use, OTTO II fuel is injected into the torpedo's combustion chamber along with sea water.  The decomposition results in steam to drive the torpedo engine that drives the torpedo's propeller(s).  This is an open cycle system, and the combustion products are exhausted into the ocean.

 

In the following write-up, you'll notice that the effects on humans are stated, but rather downplayed.  The key, in my reading, is the list of precautions for handling, training required, and what happens when someone who's been exposed to OTTO II fuel is taken away from it and then brought back to where it's at after a period of time -- there's a physiological reaction.  That reaction tells me that this stuff is BAD news for us humans.

 

Here's a brief description from NavAir's Ordnance Shop:

OTTO FUEL II

Otto Fuel II is the propellant for the propulsion system of the Mk 46 (all Mods) [and Mk 48 (all Mods)] torpedo. Otto Fuel II is first sprayed under pressure into a combustion chamber where it is ignited. The exhaust gases from the burning fuel are used to drive the torpedo engine. The major advantage of this system is the short turnaround time required for exercise weapons.

Otto Fuel II is a stable, liquid monopropellant composed of a nitrate ester in solution with a desensitizing agent and a stabilizer. It is a bright red, free-flowing, oily liquid that is heavier than water.

(NOTE: When in a thin layer, such as a spill, stain, or leak, Otto Fuel II is a yellow-orange color.) 

Otto Fuel II is noncorrosive. It has an extremely low vapor pressure, minimizing explosive and toxic hazards. Otto Fuel II can detonate, but the conditions and stimulus required are so extreme that it is considered a nonexplosive. The propellant has a high flash point and other safety characteristics. It is classified as a low fire hazard material.

The ingredient of medical concern in Otto Fuel II is the nitrated ester. Nitrated esters are known for their acute effects on the human body. Symptoms of exposure to Otto Fuel II include the following:

�?Headache

�?Dizziness

�?Drop in blood pressure

�?Nasal congestion

NOTE: Depending upon the sensitivity of the individual, a temporary symptom-free tolerance may develop during the remainder of the working period. After exposure to a vapor-free environment, the first contact with Otto Fuel II vapors often causes these symptoms to recur.

A stowage space is specifically designated for each type of torpedo stowed aboard a combat ship. When handling Otto Fuel II, at least two crewmembers should handle the fuel. All personnel must know the general characteristics of Otto Fuel II, the safety precautions for handling the fuel, and protective equipment required. To avoid hazardous situations when handling Otto Fuel II, personnel should be well trained and supervised. For further information concerning Otto Fuel II, you should refer to Otto Fuel II Safety, Storage, and Handling Instructions, NAVSEA S6340-AA-MMA-010.