In the present paper we describe an original installation for microwave hydrodistillation at low pressure that we constructed in order to obtain volatile oils from different plants. The results that we have obtained are encouraging meaning that the main components of these oils were found in correspondence with the data presented in literature. A novelty of this process is the fact that the hydrodistillation time was shorter than in the case of a classic process of hydrodistillation at atmospheric pressure. The aim of our research was to find a new and modern way of obtaining volatile oils from plants.

Employment of simulants, thus spare testing compounds always takes the bigger value in the area of testing garments designated for body surface protection against the effects of chemical warfare agents. The aim of simulants usage is mainly to remove problems related to manipulation with high toxic compounds and to enable testing to such working places that have not got the permission for the treatment with chemical warfare agents and other highly toxic compounds. The paper summarizes some achieved results of measurements of chemical resistance which have been performed based on simulants. These results are put into mutual connection with the sulfur mustard which is recently used as a standard testing chemical compound.

Activities specific to the military field, regarding the instruction process or the missions in the operating theatres, require military personnel to be exposed to a series of toxic chemical compounds, with effects ranging from short to long term. European legislation regarding environmental protection and employee health has become stricter and it directly influences the choice of materials that will be turned into ammunition. Most energetic materials from ammunition contain compounds whose synthesis and decomposition involves the release of high toxicity products into the environment. Shootings with classical weapons systems have an effect on the environment, in the shooting area and also in the place of impact with the objective, having both direct (the shock wave that results from the ammunition exploding, shrapnel, sound waves, high temperatures) and indirect (unexploded ammunition, contamination of the environment) effects. This paper presents the results of experimental research conducted in military shooting ranges during the testing of diverse smoke ammunition, in order to detect and identify the released chemical compounds, thus studying their impact on the fighters� health and security and evaluating the risks they pose on the environment.