Non-freezing cold injury in a Marine infantry battalion

Thirty-eight cases of nonfreezing cold injury (NFCI) occurring during a peacetime military exercise are reported. NFCI occurred in 11% of exposed persons. All cases were classified as moderate, mild or minimal. The racial and smoking histories of the population were retrospectively studied. The incidence of NFCI among black subjects did not differ from that among non-blacks. There was a trend towards increased incidence among smokers (14%) versus nonsmokers (9%) (p=0.09). We conclude that NFCI remains a significant threat for expeditions in cold wet climates. Positive smoking history, but not black race, tended to increase individual risk for NFCI.