New bill would force DoD action on troops blast exposure [Video]

DOD would have to modify weapons, update safety guidelines, train medical staff and track troops’ exposure to repeated blasts that can injure their brains.

NORFOLK, Va. — Being in the military comes with certain risks.

One of them is dealing with the after-effects of being around loud blasts.

Personnel exposed to repeated blasts, including those experienced during combat deployments and heavy weapons training may have elevated risks of migraines, PTSD, depression, hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions.

Exposure to blast waves can have a disastrous effect on people who have dedicated their lives to military service.

Now, a bipartisan group of 13 senators is taking action.

Their new bill, the Blast Overpressure Safety Act directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to enact new measures to mitigate and protect service members from blasts and enhance efforts to treat active troops and vets with injuries relating to them.

The bill would order the military to begin recording troops’ …

Tags Accident Prevention, Safety Aware, Safety Awareness, Safety First, Stay Safe