Tag: Body armor materials

While body armor is designed to protect wearers from ballistic threats, questions often arise about the materials used and their potential health risks. Manufacturers must carefully balance the protective capabilities of materials like aramid fibers and ceramics with wearer safety and comfort. The vast majority of modern body armor components are considered safe when used as intended, but understanding their composition and specific use-case risks is crucial.

A 2017 review determined that wearing body armor significantly impairs physical performance and increases physiological strain on the wearer. The components themselves aren't toxic, so what is in body armor that's bad for you is actually the inherent ergonomic and physical burden.

Over 2,000 documented police officer lives have been saved by body armor since 1976, validating its efficacy as standard issue equipment. But what's inside body armor that makes it so effective at protecting the wearer from bullets and shrapnel? The answer lies in a blend of advanced materials, from high-strength synthetic fibers to hardened ceramics, engineered to absorb immense energy.