EFFECTIVE DATE: AUGUST 24, 2005
SUBJECT: Poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO or Zylon®)
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) hereby advises that it has identified poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole (commonly known as PBO or Zylon®) as a material that appears to create a risk of death or serious injury as a result of degraded ballistic performance when used in body armor. This is an NIJ Body Armor Standard Advisory Notice within the meaning of the NIJ 2005 Interim Requirements for Bullet-Resistant Body Armor (effective September 26, 2005).
For Further Information, Contact:
Lance Miller
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center
2277 Research Boulevard
Mail Stop 8-J
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 519-5472
E-Mail: lmiller@nlectc.org
Supplementary Information:
Information about NIJ’s 2005 Interim Requirements for Bullet-Resistant Body Armor can be found at http://www.justnet.org. NIJ’s research and testing reports in response to the Attorney General’s Body Armor Safety Initiative can be found at: https://vests.ojp.gov.
NIJ encourages public safety officers to continue to wear their Zylon®-containing armor until it is replaced. Wearing armor that may have degraded ballistic performance is better than not wearing any armor.
Related Information:
Zylon vests fail to stop bullets 58 percent of time in government tests
Full Report (PDF File): Third Status Report to the Attorney General on Body Armor Safety Initiative Testing and Activities
Report Summary: NIJ Body Armor Safety Initiative Status Report Executive Summary
NIJ Body Armor Safety Initiative Online Resource Page: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bvpbasi/