Thank you, John. Like you, I also smoked cigarettes back in the 1970s. I picked it up in Boot Camp in 1973 and quit in 1981. I suppose I’m fortunate I don’t have any diagnosed lung or breathing related issues.

Yes, there are many cases of OTs and system Watch officers who served back in those days (including a large percentage who never smoked) now experiencing several upper respiratory medical conditions. I’ve read multiple reports of COPD, sinus and nasal polyps, spots on lungs, ILD, pulmonary sarcoidosis, allergies, sleep apnea, lung cancers, etc.

I have received contact information for three organizations to whom I have submitted letters. Still waiting to hear from them, but it’s only been a day. I will be sure to keep everyone apprised if I am successful; or not. - Jim

Jim in 1970 or 71 there was a test run that lasted about a week to measure the amount of carbon dust sailors breathed in during their duty day. The te4st lasted about 4 or 5 days as I recall. This was Prior to the vacuum mod on the actuators. I do not remember who did the test but perhaps someone does know. The individuals that were used for the test wore a device that supposedly duplicated what you would breath in. People in operations, maintenance and communications wore the device. If you could find out this info it might help with any future actions. I do remember that the results came in as not a major problem to the lungs.

I forgot to add that this test was conducted at Navfac Nantucket while I was there and was also done at some other sites as well.

Thanks, Bill. I’ve heard many times about that study, but have never been able to put my hands on any reports or documentation. I do find it telling that the vacuum systems were installed not long after that report would have been published. They started installing vacuum systems at NAVFAC Bermuda during my tour, 1974 - 1976. - Jim

Like so many others I had a cigarette going most waking hours, smoked 32 yrs before quitting. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea 2004 but was not service connected according to VA. Also quad bypass and all that goes with heart disease apparently mine was agent orange and did finally get 100% disability comp. Lungs are actually pretty good have had 4 chest CT's over past year and all seems well. Pray all are well and no big problems,

Jim: It is interesting that you have "hard evidence" of the pixie dust that we sucked into our respiratory systems for all of those years. And - I am very interested in whatever you may find out. My pulmonologist listened with interest as I described the environment we worked in, but obviously my current lung issues are difficult to connect to that, although he is suspicious. My right diaphragm is paralyzed, which obviously limits normal lung function. Like many others, I was a two-pack a day idiot back then, and often joked about how each light-up was another coffin nail. I am thankful that I am as active as I am at 84, and like John - I don't go around looking for ditches to excavate. During the 1961-62 timeframe, I can positively state that some civilian engineers came aboard NAV FAC Pacific Beach and studied the subject. They took many samples, and were supposed to write a report. I know the study was done because I was a mat-pounder when they were doing it, and we joked around with them. I never heard about any results or saw a report.

//AMP1/

Nothing new to report, unfortunately. No responses from 2 of the organizations contacted; a third says they will "get back to me soon". I suspect a lack of interest.

Anyway, not giving up the fight.

As an aside, back in the timeframe 1999-2001 during my CO tour at NOPF Dam Neck, OTCM Ed "Smokie" Smock, USN (Ret) and I initiated a search of the CUS archives and requested a few of the older contractor organizations (Bell Labs, AT&T, etc.) for any reports or documentation regarding Carbon Emissions and/or Noise Monitoring efforts. By that time OSHA required employers to monitor noise levels to ensure they did not exceed 85 decibels (dB) over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). We were concerned about the historic SOSUS Watch Floor carbon dust emissions and constant noise levels. To my recollection, nothing was uncovered. Either the testing was not completed, not conclusive and/or long ago destroyed.

For: George Widenor - I'm sending you a text and email.

- Jim Donovan

I've been reading the associated posts with quite some interests. What I have to offer may or may not be considered relevant, but this much I know, for sure:
My first Fac was Pac Beach, (July '59- Feb '61). Every 2 weeks I (we- someone) had to get on a stepladder and, with a vacuum and long hose, suck up the carbon dust build-up on the overhead cable/wire raceways. This was well before dropped ceilings, of course. I can't be 100% sure, but my best SWAG is about 1/8" to 1/4" of carbon dust had accumulated over that 2 week period. Of course, all of us left our 8-12 hour watch with that "pixie dust" (as George aptly describes it) all over out hands, face and dungarees.

I transferred to SNI Feb of '61 and, there again, the same scenario with dust and vacuuming raceways. I think George and I traded duty stations right around the same time. Fortunately, I had made SOO2 and was a watch sup at that time, so no longer had to suck up carbon dust. Still, got my hands and uniforms dirty though, checking up on readers, marking with my Venus no. 2 red, from time to time, etc.

If my 86 year old memory serves me correct, I think I remember emptying the vacuums and somewhere around two to three quarts came out.

I was never a heavy smoker, but did go through about half a pack each day. More when on Adak, when I was an OWO, holding a Soviet sub and dealing with a 7.0 earthquake, potential tsunami and evacuation of the TE building. I quit smoking 23 years ago and up until last year, I had not experienced any significant breathing problems. However, I now have a "wheezing" from time-to-time. Whether or not it is in any way related to the pixie dust or smoking, doesn't much matter at this point, because, like everyone my age and older, our days are numbered.

My hope and prayers are for those who were exposed to that environment and have related health issues will, at some point, get the care and compensation they most likely deserve.

Thanks Captain Jim for your concern and diligence in tackling this issue.

Hi Jim, I have multiple breathing (lung) issues and I am working with a friend who is a retired town VA Agent to submit a VA claim. One of the concerns I plan on submitting is the 'carbon dust' issue. I was a Sonar Tech stationed at Nav Fac Nantucket from August n1964 through October 1966, before vacuum system existed, So, info on this issue would be invaluable.
The question that I had while investigating (internet searches) was how and what was used when making the chart material, one search found that potentially Xylene, Bisphenol A and S may have been used in the manufacture process of the chart material. In addition, if these chemicals were used what was created when they were burned by the stylus?

Capt. Donovan, - thank you for your involvement in this area. I would like to submit my current medical conditions and the info I've found surrounding this topic along with my efforts to get the VA to acknowledge this problem. Hopefully this info may help someone else. This info will serve as the basis of a nexus letter for the VA if I can find any medical professionals to sign-on. Here's goes:

Here are the details of my journey with the Dept of Veterans Affairs re service-connected disabilities and research I’ve done on the most likely cause:

I have multiple previous VA disability rating decisions resulting in negative determinations which I am convinced are an oversight or error when considering these conditions as interrelated:

• 6/17/2021 - Evaluation of sensorineural hearing loss, left ear, which is currently 0 percent disabling, is continued.
• 7/21/2021 - Evaluation of sensorineural hearing loss, left ear, which is currently 0 percent disabling, is continued.
• 2/4/2022 - Service connection for heart condition (Bradycardia) is denied.
• 7/29/2022 - Service connection for allergic rhinitis (a[so claimed as sinus condition and allergies) is granted with an evaluation of 0 percent effective February 4,2022.
o Service connection for collapse of the left lower lobe (claimed as lung condition and shortness of breath) is granted with an evaluation of 0 percent effective February 4,2022.
o Service connection for heart condition (Bradycardia) is denied.
• 8/1/2022 - Service connection for allergic rhinitis (also claimed as sinus condition and allergies) is granted with an evaluation of 0 percent effective February 4, 2022.
o Service connection for collapse of the left lower lobe (claimed as lung condition and shortness of breath is granted with an evaluation of 0 percent effective February 4, 2022.
o Service connection for heart condition is denied.
• 5/2/2023 - Service connection for cervical spine condition is denied.
• 7/20/2023 - The previous denial of service connection for cervical spine condition is confirmed and continued.

Service-Connected / Rated Disabilities:

Bradycardia (this condition was diagnosed by U.S. Navy Medical Center, Pearl Harbor while in Service at age 38) – this cardiac condition was denied as of Feb 2022 and is currently not rated as service connected. This is a persistent, chronic, secondary service-connected condition and is potentially dangerous and life-threatening as low heart rate contributes to daily fatigue, dizziness, and reduced physical stamina.

Accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or chest pain all contributing to the my overall anxiety, mental health and depression, this condition interacts with my service-connected and compensated PACT-ACT disability rating of bilateral atelectasis (two partially collapsed lungs – July 2023), causing respiratory distress and limitations and also contributes to my service-connected and rated circadian rhythm wake-sleep disorder, amplifying the overall negative functional impact on my activities of daily living.

This item should be re-evaluated and rated as a secondary service-connected condition to other multiple rated disabilities and must be considered for a rating compensation – (See: Two Partially Collapsed Lungs section below).

Partial Rotator Cuff Tear (Left Shoulder) – current service-connected disability of 20% is the result of a fall injury while deployed in 1988 on board USS Queenfish, SSN-651, affecting the dislocated shoulder, broken clavicle, neck and spine strain - causing chronic pain, weakness and restricted range of motion and the continual pain contributes directly to my Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder affect. This condition significantly limits mobility, contributes to a reduced quality of life, and exacerbates circadian-rhythm wake-sleep disorder and depressive symptoms due to chronic pain, weakness and physical limitations of common life activities. My Cervical Spine claim was denied in May 2023 but should be re-considered as part of the overall injury and reevaluated and considered for a secondary service-connected condition rating compensation increase.

Tinnitus – current service connected 10% disability rating. Persistent tinnitus initially diagnosed in 2017 and rated as service-connected. This condition contributes to difficulties with concentration, sleep disruption, normal conversation and causes increased anxiety and mental health conditions and strain on familial and work relationships - all of which exacerbate other service-connected conditions.

Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder with Persistent Depression – initial service-connected 30% disability rating in 2021. This chronic condition developed during or as a result of years of military service rotating watch schedules and submarine under-way operations requiring a rotating schedule of 18 hour days instead of a normal 24 hour day cycle. This disability rating was increased to 50% in 2023.

Sleep disturbances and depression are closely linked, contributing to diminished overall health, productivity, and multiple negative quality of life issues and poor work performance.
Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWDs) are also known to contribute to heart problems. Disruptions in the body's internal clock, which regulates sleep, wakefulness, and various other physiological processes, have been linked to cardiovascular issues. Here is a partial list:

• Increased Stress Response: Circadian misalignment can cause chronic activation of the stress response, elevating levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which may increase blood pressure and strain the heart over time. Cortisol contributes to weight gain - the member’s BMI is 32 (obese).
• Inflammation: Sleep disruption and circadian misalignment are associated with increased systemic inflammation, a known risk factor for heart disease (Bradycardia).
• Metabolic Effects: Circadian rhythm disorders can impair glucose metabolism, leading to insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Cholesterol and Lipid Imbalances: Disruption of circadian rhythms can alter lipid metabolism, contributing to elevated cholesterol levels and a higher risk of atherosclerosis. Member’s LDL (bad) cholesterol (avg measurement since 2015 is 212.18) and Triglycerides (avg measurement since 2015 is 249.64) are both consistently above the normal range even with prescription medication treatment and a vegetarian diet.
• Direct Cardiovascular Effects: Studies have linked circadian misalignment to a higher incidence of conditions like arrhythmias (Bradycardia), coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
• Shift Work Disorder: Common among people with irregular work hours; linked to higher rates of heart disease.
• Blood Pressure Dysregulation: The natural dip in blood pressure during sleep (nocturnal dipping) can be disrupted by circadian rhythm disorders, leading to consistently high blood pressure.
o Source: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/sleep-impact-on-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk/news-story/3e25ac281153dde57e9d106ffd4b42c3?utm_source=chatgpt.com
o https://nypost.com/2024/11/26/health/irregular-bedtimes-increase-risk-of-deadly-health-issues-study/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

In May 2013, the US Navy, Commander Naval Surface Forces released the following unclassified message to the fleet regarding and acknowledging the importance of this topic:

UNCLASSIFIED//
RAAUZYUW RHMFIUU0950 1232157-UUUU--RULYSUU.
ZNR UUUUU
R 032157Z MAY 2013 ZYB
FM COMNAVSURFOR SAN DIEGO CA
TO ALNAVSURFOR
INFO COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI
COMUSFLTFORCOM NORFOLK VA
COMTHIRDFLT
COMFOURTHFLT
COMFIFTHFLT
COMSIXTHFLT
COMSEVENTHFLT
COMNAVSURFLANT NORFOLK VA
COMNAVSURFPAC SAN DIEGO CA
COMNAVSAFECEN NORFOLK VA
SWOSCOLCOM NEWPORT RI
BT
UNCLAS
MSGID/GENADMIN,USMTF,2008/COMNAVSURFOR SAN DIEGO CA/0950/MAY 13// SUBJ/CIRCADIAN WATCHBILL// POC/LCDR BRIAN SCOPA/N71/UCNSL/NORFOLK, VA/757-836-3124 /BRIAN.SCOPA(AT)NAVY.MIL// GENTEXT/REMARKS/
1. THIS IS A JOINT CNSP/CNSL MESSAGE INTENDED TO FURTHER THE DISCUSSION, INNOVATION, AND CONSIDERATION FOR SHIPBOARD WATCH ROTATION REQUIREMENTS AND DAILY ROUTINES THAT MAXIMIZE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR WATCHSTANDERS.
2. WE EXPECT OUR SAILORS TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN COMPLEX EQUIPMENT, IN CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENTS, VITAL TO SHIP OPERATIONS. WHILE WE INVEST TREMENDOUS TIME AND EFFORT IN MAINTAINING THIS EQUIPMENT, WE MUST ALSO INVEST IN THE HEALTH, WELL-BEING, AND SAFETY OF OUR SAILORS. ONE WAY OF ACHIEVING THIS IS TO CREATE A PREDICTABLE WATCH ROTATION THAT RECOGNIZES THE HUMAN CIRCADIAN RHYTHM AND SUPPORTS A STABLE AND REPEATABLE PATTERN.
3. THE HUMAN BODY NEEDS SLEEP. RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT 22 HOURS WITHOUT SLEEP RESULTS IN A DEGREE OF IMPAIRMENT EQUIVALENT TO A BLOOD ALCOHOL CONTENT OF 0.08 - LEGALLY DRUNK. YOU WOULD NOT OPERATE YOUR CAR UNDER THESE CONDITIONS; NEITHER SHOULD WE ASK OUR CREWS TO OPERATE SHIPBOARD SYSTEMS OR NAVIGATE IN A SIMILAR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL STATE.
THIS EFFECT IS EXACERBATED BY A WATCH ROTATION THAT RESULTS IN INCONSISTENT SLEEP PATTERNS AND INTERRUPTIONS. AFLOAT MISHAP REPORTS OFTEN CITE WATCHSTANDER FATIGUE AS A CONTRIBUTING, OFTEN CAUSAL, FACTOR IN COLLISIONS, GROUNDINGS, AND OTHER UNFORTUNATE EVENTS AT SEA. A KEY FACTOR IN BREAKING THIS CYCLE MAY BE THE INSTITUTION OF A CIRCADIAN WATCH ROTATION IN YOUR SHIP. THE AVIATION COMMUNITY HAS LONG EMBRACED THE CONCEPT OF CREW REST AS A FOUNDATION FOR SAFE OPERATIONS - IT HAS A PLACE IN THE SURFACE FORCE AS WELL.
4. THE BASIS OF OUR CIRCADIAN RHYTHM IS THE 24 HOUR DAY. WE TAKE IT FOR GRANTED WHILE ON SHORE DUTY AND GENERALLY IGNORE IT AT SEA. WATCH ROTATIONS THAT SUPPORT THIS APPROACH ARE VARIED AND HAVE SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS. WHILE 3 SECTIONS CAN SUPPORT A 4 ON, 8 OFF ROTATION, TIME FOR SLEEP IS LIMITED AND MINOR INTERRUPTIONS CAN HAVE DRASTIC EFFECTS. FOUR SECTIONS IN A 3 ON, 9 OFF ROTATION HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF SHORTER WATCHES (GREATER FOCUS, LESS HEAT STRESS CONCERNS), BUT HAS THE DISADVANTAGE OF MORE FREQUENT WATCH TURNOVER.
ANOTHER OPTION IN 4 SECTIONS IS 6 ON, 18 OFF (ONE DRAWBACK IS THE LENGTH OF THE WATCH, BUT IT HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF ONLY ONE WATCH PER DAY). SOME SHIPS HAVE ACHIEVED 5 SECTIONS AND USED A 5 ON, 20 OFF ROTATION. WHAT THESE ROTATIONS ALL HAVE IN COMMON IS A REPETITIVE WATCH SCHEDULE THAT ALLOWS THE BODY TO ESTABLISH A SLEEP PATTERN RESULTING IN ADEQUATE REST - EQUATING TO GREATER ALERTNESS ON WATCH. OTHER ADVANTAGES INCLUDE A PREDICTABLE SCHEDULE FOR ADMIN, PT, TRAINING/DRILLS OR STUDY.
5. EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THIS APPROACH CANNOT BE JUST A WATCHBILL. BEST PRACTICES INCLUDE ADJUSTING MEAL HOURS, ALLOWING LATE (OR EARLY) SLEEPERS FOR MID-WATCH PERSONNEL, AND HOLDING MOST MEETINGS AND BRIEFS DURING THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY (E.G., BETWEEN 0900 AND 1500). MANAGEMENT OF THE TIME BETWEEN WATCHES IS KEY TO ALLOW WATCHSTANDERS SUFFICIENT TIME TO CONDUCT PMS, ATTEND TRAINING, AND PERFORM OTHER DUTIES DURING ONE OFF PERIOD AND USE THE OTHER FOR SLEEP, PT, OR PERSONAL TIME. MAINTAINING THE ROTATION FOR A 7 TO 14 DAY PERIOD, RESULTS IN MORE STABILITY FOR YOUR SAILORS.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ARE SPECIAL EVOLUTIONS (I.E., UNREP, VBSS, WELL-DECK OPS) WHICH MAY MERIT DESIGNATION OF BLUE/GOLD TEAMS OR OTHER TAILORED WATCH OR STATION BILLS.
6. YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO REVIEW INFORMATION WITH REGARD TO THE CIRCADIAN WATCHBILL AND THE MERITS TO ITS APPROACH ON THE SURFORWEB AT: HTTPS:WWW.SURFOR.NAVY.MILSITESSAFETY SITECOLLECTIONDOCUMENTSCIRCADIAN%20RHYTHM.ASPX.
USERS WITHOUT A SURFORWEB ACCOUNT CAN REQUEST AN ACCOUNT AT:
HTTPS:APPS.SURFOR.NAVY.MILPRIVREG.
7. WHILE THIS MESSAGE DOES NOT ADDRESS ALL POSSIBLE CHALLENGES OR SOLUTIONS, WE SOLICIT AND WELCOME YOUR FEEDBACK ON THIS NEW APPROACH TO WATCH ROTATIONS. PLEASE DIRECT YOUR QUESTIONS, FEEDBACK, AND OWN BEST PRACTICES TO THE MESSAGE POC. STAY SAFE.// BT
#0950
NNNN

*********************
Allergic Rhinitis – classified as a service-connected disability as of Feb 2022, but not awarded any rating compensation level. This condition is very clearly at minimum a secondary service-connected condition correlated to my rated disability under the PACT-ACT of bilateral atelectasis, (two partially collapsed lungs) and should be re-evaluated for disability compensation and included as a secondary-condition of disability.

Bilateral Atelectasis – (Two Partially Collapsed Lungs) – Initially diagnosed and linked as a service connected disability in Feb 2022 but not awarded any rating compensation. Re-testing in 2023 revealed an additional decrease in pulmonary capacity and my service qualified for eligibility under the PACT-ACT in 2023, it resulted in a PACT-ACT based increased service-connected disability rating of 10% (July 2023). This condition is related to an in-service career-long, exposure to unfiltered, toxic airborne substances (carbon-black dust) leading to chronic respiratory impairments (atelectasis) and hyper-sensitive allergies / allergic rhinitis.

These respiratory impairments increase fatigue, limit physical exertion, and have cascading effects on other service-connected conditions and secondary-connected conditions, including Bradycardia and Circadian Rhythm Wake-Sleep Disorder and severely limit multiple life activities.
My respiratory issues are documented and severe. They have been identified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as being exposed to SOSUS LOFARgrams during military service.

A “SOSUS LOFAR gram" refers to the Low Frequency Analysis and Recording (LOFAR) spectrograms produced by the U.S. Navy's secret SOund SUrveillance System (SOSUS) during the Cold War. These "grams" were visual representations of underwater sounds used to detect and track Soviet submarines. I continually worked directly and in close proximity with these black carbon paper displays for my entire Navy career.

LOFAR (Low Frequency Analysis and Recording): The equipment and process used at the NAVFACs to detect, process and analyze the low-frequency acoustic data received at the hydrophones and transmitted to the shore station for processing.

LOFARgram: The resulting output was a visual printout on heat-sensitive or electrostatic paper (often called "smoky paper").

Stronger sound frequencies were displayed as lines or dark carbon burn-marks against the scattered, ambient noise background – also consisting of scattered carbon burn marks on the paper display. Ambient ocean noise is the acoustic background noise in the ocean from all sources. It is of interest in itself not just because of the impact it has on sonar, but because of the impact it has on marine life. A good example to understand this is it is compared to the random static shown on an older TV when no signal was being received.

Ocean Systems Technicians Analysts (OTA’s) worked to identify and interpret these abstract markings to identify the unique sound sources / signatures, or "acoustic fingerprints," of different ships and submarines, including propeller revolutions per minute and even the number of propeller blades, other propulsion components and equipment, pumps, auxiliary & electrical machinery, etc.

1. The "Burning" of the LOFAR Gram
• The LOFAR grams were created by a chemical and thermal reaction.
• The Process: As the signal processor detected energy in a specific frequency bin, it sent a voltage to the corresponding actuator stylus.
The Result: The current burned away the white/light-gray top chemical coating of the paper, revealing the dark carbon layer underneath.
• The Smell: Any Ocean Systems Technician from that era knows the "ozone and sour burnt toast" smell of a NAVFAC watch floor caused by the LOFAR gram-writers (actuators) burning dark lines. Some NACFACs had hundreds of Actuators producing a continuous output of LOFAR grams and these airborne toxins 24x7x365.

2. Why the Distinction in Paper Matters
Using electro-sensitive paper instead of damp paper or even ink was critical for the 0-150 Hz analysis needed:
Dynamic Range: The "darkness" of the burn pattern was proportional to the voltage intensity. which was proportional to the signal sound strength. This gave analysts a "gray scale" that allowed them to distinguish between various types of sound sources.
Instantaneous Response: An ink pen has mechanical inertia—it can't skip and stutter at the speeds needed to capture short duration, high-frequency transients. The electrical arc of the stylus was near-instantaneous.
Durability: Those grams didn't smudge. Once that carbon was exposed, it was a permanent record that could be rolled up, archived, and pulled out five years later for "Signature Comparison."

3. The "Gram-Writer" Mechanics
In the 1980s, there were rows and banks of these recorders. The paper was on a continuous roll, and the "waterfall" effect was created by the paper physically moving up the paper tray while the styluses stayed in their position sweeping across the paper burning the LOFAR gram from left to right.

4. MLD: The Digital Successor
Now, back to MLD (Multi-Line Detection) in the HIRADS era. This was the digital way of doing what OTs used to do by squinting at those burnt-in-carbon lines using a technique known as “eye-integration”.

Instead of burning a line for each frequency, MLD used an algorithm to scan the entire 0−500 Hz spectrum to identify all potential tonals that were mathematically related at harmonic intervals.
Even if the individual lines were too "light" to see on a LOFAR gram, the summed energy would cross a threshold, alerting the analyst that a potential submarine target was present.
Now, over 30 years since the move away from these electrically treated paper LOFAR grams occurred, the question for U.S. Navy veterans who worked in the SOSUS field during that era is, did the constant presence and inhalation of those chemicals, ozone and carbon dust in the air cause health issues?

The answer that we now know is YES.

That "ozone and sour burnt toast" smell is more than just a nostalgic memory; it was the scent of oxidized paper coatings and carbon black particulate being vaporized and suspended in the air in an enclosed, often poorly ventilated, captive work environment with no personal protective equipment being provided to our Sailors.

In the 1980s, the Navy didn’t care to officially classify NAVFAC watch floors as "hazardous environments" in the same way they did for asbestos-laden engine rooms, but there were persistent "scuttlebutt" and eventually formal Navy concerns and investigations about the health effects of long-term exposure inside the NavFacs.

1. The Carbon Dust (The "Soot")
The "dry" electro-sensitive paper (Fitchburg) worked by using a high-voltage stylus to literally explode or "burn away" the top white layer (usually zinc oxide or a similar compound) to reveal the carbon underneath.

The Two Papers:

Alfax paper refers to a range of stationery products, primarily office supplies like colored paper, copier paper, and paper files/folders (e.g., pocket files, flat files for A4/F4 sizes) popular in markets like Singapore, rather than a specific type of paper like thermal or bond paper.

While the brand name "Alfax" was historically associated with sensitive, chemically impregnated paper for communication devices (like early fax/weather systems), today it mainly signifies general office paper goods. The name "ALFAX" was also a registered trademark for paper sensitive in communications, likely for older fax or chart recording, but this usage is less common now. Alfax paper was used in the 1950s & 1960s in the SOSUS field.

Fitchburg Paper Company supplied specialized, low-noise paper for the U.S. Navy's Sound Surveillance System during the Cold War, essential for recording faint submarine sounds on LOFARgrams; this paper was critical for translating undersea acoustic data into visual records before digital systems existed, highlighting Fitchburg's vital, covert role in naval intelligence gathering.

SOSUS Technology & Fitchburg Paper

LOFARgrams: This system converted underwater sounds into electrical signals, which were then electrically burned onto special paper (LOFARgrams) to create visual LOFAR grams, making faint submarine noises visible.

Fitchburg's Role: The Fitchburg Paper Company produced specialized, high-quality chemically treated paper with very low background noise, crucial for distinguishing quiet submarine sounds from ocean ambient noise on these early, analog recordings.

Fitchburg Paper Company was known for its specialized industrial papers, the company (and later divisions like Fitchburg Coated Products) supplied the high-grade, electrically-conductive paper necessary for these sensitive military recorders.

Impact & Legacy
Cold War Advantage: Fitchburg paper was integral to SOSUS's success, providing the U.S. a significant technological advantage in tracking Soviet submarines for decades.
In the history of the Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS), the spools of paper manufactured in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, played a critical role as the recording medium for recorded sonar data.

The Role of Fitchburg Paper
Recording Medium: During the Cold War, SOSUS shore stations (Naval Facilities, or NAVFACs) utilized massive numbers of recorders that printed acoustic data onto specialized paper spools.
Technical Properties: The paper was electrostatic and chemically coated. Metal styli would "burn" or mark the paper at varying intensities to display the acoustic energy received from undersea hydrophone arrays.

Scale of Use: At its peak, the SOSUS network produced vast quantities of these paper "grams." Analysts, known as "Ocean Systems Technicians," would "walk the beams" by physically moving between rows of these paper-spooled recorders to identify the unique sound signatures of Soviet submarines.

Legacy and Transition: The use of physical paper recordings was the standard until the system transitioned to digital, computer-based workstations and high-capacity disk storage in the 1990s.
Today, the historic spools of Fitchburg paper used for LOFARgrams are often cited in declassified histories of naval intelligence, particularly for their role in pinpointing the location of the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion wreckage.

HEALTH ISSUES
1. The Toxic Airborne Particulate: The process of creating continuous LOFAR grams created a fine, carbon black "soot." Technicians that worked an 8-12 hour watch would leave the watch floor with a "NAVFAC tan"—a fine layer of black dust on your exposed skin: hands, arms, face, and in your nostrils. It was unavoidable. The Navy did not acknowledge the health risk and did not provide any type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Respiratory Irritation: Many Ocean Systems Technicians have reported chronic "NAVFAC coughs," sinus congestion, and respiratory production of "black phlegm." Long-term, there were concerns about pneumoconiosis (similar to "black lung" in miners), though the concentration was not as intense as in a real coal mine.

2. Ozone and Off-Gassing
While creating the LOFAR gram, the electrical arc at the stylus tip didn't just create carbon black dust; it created Ozone (O3).
The Ozone Problem: High concentrations of ozone are a powerful respiratory irritant. This was continuous in the NAVFACs. It causes chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath. In the tight, "tempest-shielded" (RFI-protected), sealed watch floor rooms of a NAVFAC, the ozone levels could build up significantly if the HVAC system wasn't pulling enough fresh air.
Chemical Off-Gassing: The coatings on the Fitchburg paper contained various binders and chemicals. When vaporized, these would also produce trace amounts of formaldehyde or other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

3. Eye Strain and "VDT Syndrome"
While not wholly a "carbon dust or ozone" issue, the transition to LOFAR gram High Resolution Analysis Display System (HIRADS) in the early 1980s brought its own set of health issues.
HIRADS were a LOFAR gram display created by replaying a previous period of time displayed in a compressed format on a normal LOFAR gram paper display.
The HIRADS was a compressed display or higher intensity to allow analysts a review of the previously displayed LOFAR gram. This meant even more carbon and ozone but now with the added challenge of a physically closer visual inspection of the LOFAR gram producing significant visual eye-strain.

(continued)

(continued)

The CRT Flicker: When transitioning to computer displays, the early high-resolution monitors used in HIRADS had refresh rates that caused significant eye fatigue and headaches over a long watch.
Psychological Stress: The intense concentration required for Eye Integration (staring at those lines for hours at close distances) led to "LOFAR-lag," a state of mental exhaustion common among Ocean Systems Technician Analysts.

4. The Navy’s Response
By the time the Navy began to seriously acknowledge the health risks and the topic began to be seriously studied, the LOFAR gram processing technology was already moving toward thermal printers and all-digital displays.

Thermal Paper: Later 1990s recorders used a thermal process that didn't "arc" or create smoke, which eliminated the ozone and carbon dust issues.

Digital Archiving: Once the LOFAR grams were digitized, the need for banks of actuators and "burning" styluses disappeared, and the "burnt toast" smell finally left the watch floors – approximately 40 years after the first paper LOFAR gram was created.

The "VA Claim" Reality
Now, decades later, many former and retired Navy Ocean Systems Technicians have filed VA claims for respiratory issues, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, heart disease, strokes and even certain cancers, citing the lack of ventilation and the constant inhalation of carbon black dust and ozone among other work place chemical hazards.

Because the exposure wasn't quite as well-documented as Agent Orange or Asbestos, many of these veterans have a difficult time proving "service connection." NOTE: The PACT Act will now permit this hazard to be recognized by the VA as a source of a service connected disability.

DETAILS in the PAPER
In the world of 1950s - 1990s SOSUS and NAVFAC operations, Alfax and Fitchburg were more than just brands of paper; they represented the two dominant "flavors" of electro-sensitive recording paper used to visualize the 0−150 Hz LOFAR gram frequency spectrum.

While they served the same purpose—turning electrical signals into a "waterfall" of black-on-white data—they used different chemical and physical mechanisms to get there.

1. Alfax Paper (The "Wet" and "Brown" Era)
Alfax was the original (1950s-60s) standard. It was technically a moist electrolytic paper.
How it Worked: The paper was impregnated with an electrolyte solution (often containing silver or other metallic salts). When the electrified stylus passed a current through the paper to the platen, the electrical path circuit was completed and a chemical reaction (electrolysis) occurred by marking the paper.

The Look: It didn't produce a sharp black-and-white image. Instead, it produced a sepia-toned or brownish mark. The intensity of the brown mark was directly proportional to the signal strength.
The "Bleed": Because the paper was moist, the marks had a tendency to "bloom" or bleed slightly into the surrounding fibers. This was actually a benefit for Eye Integration, as it smoothed out the noise and made steady tonals look more like solid "ropes" than jagged dots.

The Maintenance: Alfax had to be kept in sealed "humidor" bags. If it dried out, it wouldn't conduct electricity, and you’d get "ghosting" or no signal at all on the LOFAR gram.

2. Fitchburg Paper (The "Dry" and "Black" Era)
As the Navy pushed for higher resolution in the 1970s & beyond, and cleaner watch floors, "Dry" paper like Fitchburg became the gold standard.
The Multi-Layer Construction: Unlike the single-layer Alfax, Fitchburg was a high-tech "sandwich":

• Base Layer: A standard paper backing.
• Carbon Layer: A thick, jet-black layer of conductive carbon.
• Dielectric/Opaque Top Coat: A thin, white or light-gray coating (often zinc oxide) that hid the carbon.

The Process: This was electro-burn rather than electrolysis. The electrified stylus arc literally vaporized the thin white top coat (the "mask"), revealing the black carbon underneath to create the LOFAR gram.

The Result: It produced a high-contrast, jet-black mark on a white background. This was perfect for the Super Vernier (SV) and HIRADS displays because the edges of the lines were razor-sharp, allowing Technicians to distinguish between signals only 0.1 Hz apart, but not so perfect for the health of the sailors.

4. The "Stink" and the Health Trade-off
Alfax paper was relatively "clean" in terms of dust, but it off-gassed metallic vapors and its moisture element kept the room feeling like a damp basement.

Fitchburg paper, however, was the primary culprit for the "Black Snot" syndrome and creating toxic airborne respiratory issues. Because it was a dry-burn process, every time the stylus hit a detected sound frequency, it was micro-blasting carbon and zinc oxide into the air. If you had 20 recorders running in a vault, you were essentially living inside a slow-motion chimney.

A normal SOSUS array at each NAVFAC had 40 “beams” or LOFAR grams being generated continuously. Most NAVFACS had multiple 40 beam arrays and additionally, multiple banks of auxiliary LOFAR gram displays for further in-depth analysis. Do the math…

5. Why OTAs Swore by One or the Other
Old-school OTs often preferred Alfax for long-range "Direct Path" detections because the sepia tones were easier on the eyes during an 8-hour mid-watch. However, for Target Motion Analysis (TMA) and the high-resolution work required to distinguish between modern soviet submarine threats, the high-contrast Fitchburg paper was unbeatable. **** the health risks…
The switch to Fitchburg also meant you didn't have to deal with "dry spots" on the paper that could cause you to miss a critical Transient Event just because the paper had been sitting in a leaky bag and sections had dried out.

The negative health effects of Fitchburg (dry electro-sensitive) paper were significantly more aggressive than the older Alfax because the physical mechanism was thermal ablation (vaporization) rather than a wet chemical reaction.

When that electrified stylus arced, it wasn't just creating a mark; it was creating a toxic aerosol continuously in an enclosed work space. A slow, insidious poison in the air.

Zinc Oxide Fumes (Metal Fume Fever)
The white opaque coating on Fitchburg paper was primarily composed of Zinc Oxide. When the stylus vaporized this coating to reveal the underlying carbon, it released toxic zinc oxide fumes directly into the analyst's breathing zone, skin and lungs.

The Effect: This is the same respiratory hazard faced by welders. Short-term exposure to welders causes "Metal Fume Fever," characterized by flu-like symptoms, chills, fever, muscle soreness, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

By comparison, welders do not continuously breathe this toxic substance for 8-12 hours straight… Ocean Systems Technicians did – and for years – not knowing the health risks.
The NAVFAC Reality: Because the "burn" was constant, Technicians were subjected to a continuous stream of chronic inhalation of these toxic airborne substances for 8 to 12 hours a shift during their career and service to the country for national defense.

2. Carbon Black and Respiratory "Loading"
The black layer was Carbon Black, an EPA well-known respiratory irritant.
Deep Lung Penetration: The toxic "soot" produced by the electrified stylus was composed of ultrafine particles (nanoparticles). These are small enough to bypass the cilia in the throat / nose and settle deeply lodged in the alveoli (the air sacs of the lungs).

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Long-term exposure leads to chronic inflammation, reduced lung capacity, and scarring of the lung tissue. This is why many Ocean Systems Technicians from the 1970s-1990s SOSUS era developed severe respiratory issues like Allergic Rhinitis, Atelectasis, COPD or "non-smoker's emphysema” among other documented health issues.

3. The "Burnt Toast" and Carcinogens
The "burnt toast" smell is now known to have been caused by the combustion of the resins and binders used to hold the carbon and zinc layers to the paper.
• Polyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): The thermal breakdown of these organic binders at high voltage can produce PAHs. In modern industrial settings, these are strictly regulated as potential carcinogens.
• Formaldehyde: Some binders used in Fitchburg 1980s-era specialty papers released trace amounts of formaldehyde gas when scorched, contributing to the severe eye and throat irritation common on the NAVFAC watch floor.

4. Ozone-Induced Oxidative Stress
The constant electrical sparking from hundreds of LOFAR gram styluses was an Ozone (O3) factory.
Pulmonary Edema: At high concentrations, ozone causes the lungs to secrete fluid. While NAVFAC levels rarely reached acute toxicity, the chronic exposure caused "oxidative stress," which weakens the lung's ability to fight off infections.

5. Cardiovascular Strain
There is a growing body of evidence that inhaling ultrafine carbon particles (like Fitchburg soot) allows those particles to enter the bloodstream directly, causing systemic inflammation and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke later in life. The Navy diagnosed me with a cardiac condition: Bradycardia (age 38) and in April 2023 I suffered a cryogenic stroke resulting in a partial visual field loss (at age 67).

The "Silent" Hazard
Unlike a ship’s engine room where the hazards are obvious (heat, noise, moving parts), the NAVFAC environment felt deceptively "safe"— it was air-conditioned, relatively quiet except for the constant actuator LOFAR gram noise, and almost clean-looking except for accumulations of fine layers of carbon black soot.

However, the NAVFAC HVAC systems of the 1950s and 1960s were designed for equipment cooling (keeping the computers from crashing) rather than occupant air filtration or safety. They recirculated the carbon dust and ozone rather than scrubbing or filtering it out.

Does this explain why I now have Bradycardia, Allergic Rhinitis and Bilateral Atelectasis and a stroke as a non-smoker after 16 years as an Ocean Systems Technician Analyst?

YES, The pre-ponderance of evidence (51% probability) has clearly been met — Bradycardia, Allergic Rhinitis, Bilateral Atelectasis and a stroke in a non-smoker, career Ocean Systems Technician Analyst — strongly aligns with the specific environmental exposures and known health hazards of a Navy career on multiple NAVFAC watch floors.

The "Ocean Systems Technician" experience was a unique cocktail of industrial-grade respiratory insults deceptively disguised as an intelligence based office job.
Here is how those specific multi-morbidity conditions link directly back to the Fitchburg paper hazards and the secure, enclosed work environment:

1. Bilateral Atelectasis (Lung Collapse/Deflation)
• Atelectasis in a non-smoker is often the result of chronic inflammation or obstruction in the small airways.
• The Particle Loading: The carbon black dust and zinc oxide particulates from the Fitchburg paper were "ultrafine." These particles settle in the alveoli, the deepest part of the lungs.
o Bilateral atelectasis in this non-smoker service member is significant.
• The "Soot" Effect: Over 16 years, the cumulative "loading" of these particulates causes the body to produce excess mucus and triggers localized inflammation as an allergic response.
• As the small airways became plugged or scarred (fibrosis) from the constant irritation of the "burnt toast" chemical vapors, those sections of the lung can no longer stay inflated, leading to the Bilateral (both sides) Atelectasis (collapsed lung) seen in my medical documentation previously submitted to the VA.

2. Chronic Allergic Rhinitis
• This is the "NAVFAC Nose" taken to a high pathological level.
• The Sensitizer: Zinc oxide and the resins in the paper binders act as haptens—small molecules that, when inhaled, bind to proteins in the airway and "train" the immune system to overreact – resulting in constant symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis.
o NOTE: Haptens are small molecules that can't trigger an immune response (aren't immunogenic) on their own, but become so when they bind to a larger carrier molecule, usually a protein, forming a complete antigen that the immune system recognizes, leading to antibody production or allergic reactions.
• Ozone Damage: Constant exposure to O3
o It is a known medical fact that (Ozone) strips the protective mucosal lining of the nasal passages.
Ozone (O₃) strips or damages the protective mucosal lining of the nasal passages through a combination of direct chemical oxidation and inflammatory biological responses. Here’s the mechanism step-by-step, in plain but accurate terms:
1. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer
Ozone is far more reactive than ordinary oxygen (O₂). When inhaled, it does not penetrate deeply into tissues but reacts immediately with whatever it first contacts—the mucus layer lining the nose and upper airways.
That mucus layer is rich in:
• Lipids (fats)
• Proteins
• Antioxidants (vitamin C, uric acid, glutathione)
Ozone reacts aggressively with all of these.

2. Oxidation of mucus lipids (“lipid peroxidation”)
The mucosal barrier depends heavily on lipid-rich secretions to keep it slippery, hydrated, and protective.
Ozone reacts with these lipids and:
• Breaks fatty acid chains
• Produces toxic byproducts (aldehydes, peroxides)
• Makes the nasal mucus thinner, patchy, or dysfunctional

Result:
The mucus loses its ability to trap particles and pathogens and evaporates more quickly causing dryness and irritation.

3. Protein damage and cilia dysfunction
The nasal lining is covered with microscopic hairs (cilia) that move mucus out of the nose.
Ozone:
• Oxidizes structural proteins in cilia
• Alters enzyme function
• Slows or paralyzes ciliary movement
Result: Mucus clearance is impaired, so debris and irritants linger, increasing inflammation.

4. Depletion of protective antioxidants
The nasal mucosa normally neutralizes oxidants using antioxidants present in mucus.
Ozone rapidly:
• Depletes vitamin C
• Depletes glutathione
• Overwhelms enzymatic defenses
Once these defenses are exhausted:
• Ozone penetrates deeper into epithelial cells
• Respiratory damage accelerates
This is a key reason repeated or high exposure is much worse than a single brief exposure.

5. Inflammatory response and epithelial injury
Ozone exposure triggers nasal epithelial cells to release:
• Cytokines
• Chemokines
• Pro-inflammatory mediators
This leads to:
• Increased vascular permeability
• Swelling of nasal tissues
• Micro-erosions of the epithelial surface
Result: The mucosal lining becomes inflamed, fragile, and more easily stripped away.

6. Increased water loss → drying and cracking
Damage to the epithelial barrier causes:
• Increased transepithelial water loss
• Reduced mucus secretion
• Thick, sticky, or absent mucus
This creates:
• Dryness
• Burning sensation
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis) in some people

7. Why ozone feels “sharp” or “burning”
Unlike many irritants, ozone creates secondary reactive compounds in the mucus itself. These compounds continue damaging tissue even after exposure ends.
That’s why symptoms can:
• Worsen hours later
• Persist after leaving the exposure area

Summary
Ozone strips the nasal mucosa by:
1. Chemically oxidizing the mucus
2. Destroying fats and proteins that make mucus protective
3. Paralyzing cilia that normally clear irritants
4. Exhausting antioxidants
5. Triggering inflammation that weakens the lining
6. Drying the tissue until it cracks or erodes
o Obviously, this leaves nerves and immune cells "raw" and hypersensitive to any environmental trigger, resulting in permanent, chronic allergic rhinitis even years after a person has stopped breathing the toxic airborne dust. The body’s respiratory defense system has been destroyed.

Exposure to black-carbon dust has been linked by the EPA as a serious public health problem. Exposures to fine carbon dust including black-carbon can cause premature death and harmful effects on the cardiovascular system (heart, blood and blood vessels) as manifested in this service member as Bradycardia. Source: Fann et al., 2012. Estimating the National Public Heath Burden Associated with Exposure to Ambient PM2.5 and Ozone. Risk Analysis 32 (1) 81-95.

This service-connected disability rating should be re-evaluated and given a significantly higher compensation rating in light of its major effect on the entire respiratory system and the multiple secondary service-connected conditions identified and linked to it in this Nexus letter.

Cryogenic Ischemic Stroke (April 2023) – not currently service connected, however given the negative inter-connected impact on my respiratory and cardiovascular systems, this is also very likely a secondary service-connected condition related to my Bradycardia and Bilateral Atelectasis from black-carbon dust exposure as a service-connected disability rating under the PACT-ACT, which manifested, was identified and diagnosed while on active duty in the Naval service.

This significant, life-altering health event has also left residual impairments affecting an additional physical limitation of partial vison loss and a corresponding decline in cognitive functions.

This event and the resulting disabilities are very likely connected to or exacerbated by other service-connected conditions, or other secondary-connected conditions including Bradycardia and PACT-ACT related Bilateral Atelectasis, and Allergic Rhinitis respiratory conditions and issues.


...smoke 'em of ya got 'em.

V/R
Tim

I have been following this topic across Guam. Facebook, news, and now this message board. Thank you for posting this. I have been avoiding addressing the Guam possibility of Agent Orange contamination. This year my VSO told me to get busy updating my medical records. I have way too many medical issues that are in line with this and have finally scheduled a toxic review. Sadly, my Guam tour was about 2 years after the VA's line in the sand for presumptive. Nevertheless, I have a story to tell the examiner thanks in part to this post. I will set a pin in the timeline and as time goes on the VA will find it hard to ignore the soil and water contamination. Sadly, I and my family were in several contaminated sites and walked barefoot through sand, rocks and grass. Did anyone tell me there was a problem drinking water, bathing and swimming in water? I remember cautions about grenades in the jungle, dogs running wild, but since everything was classified in my life there are few records. I need buddy letters.

The Carbon Black you're calling SOSUS Carbon Dust is another conversation I was tracking. There are health issues I have ignored. This article reminded me of the broad base of exposure I have had over 15 years as an OT and a PH. I walked the floor and annotated grams in a NAVFAC without a vacuum system. We had a high voltage carbon zapper that made carbon dust into vaporized dust. Probably didn't help. I have cleaned and repaired SDR's, maintained the vacuum systems in 4 NAVFACs. Emptied the vacuum collection drum and saw it collected pounds of dust. All without the PPE we should have had. I had no idea how harmful or ineffective the vacuum system was. Thought it was great improvement. Too late for many of us. I have to finish my analysis by 24 July and provide me evidence of toxic exposure. I will share what I find out.