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The research team found no generalizable military-wide or service-specific population data (or ongoing studies) from which to estimate the occurrence of repeat, low-level MOB exposure or its potential health consequences

• The research team identified no research on the overall frequency with which low-level MOB exposure occurs.
• Most research on the issue of blast-related brain injury is generally concerned with a magnitude of blast exposure that is stronger than low-level MOB exposure.
• Among animals, studies in mouse and rat models suggest it is plausible that low-level MOB exposure could result in neurological effects.
• Among humans, completing carefully designed prospective, longitudinal research is essential.
• There is some evidence that improvements to helmets and improved adherence to hearing protection may mitigate the neurological effects of blast exposure.

Over the past decade, there has been increasing awareness of the central nervous system (CNS) effects of exposure to explosive blast. A key driver of that awareness has been the blast-related injuries suffered during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. With the near cessation of U.S. combat operations in these regions, concern has grown over common, repetitive forms of blast exposure during military service that are, most often, unrelated to combat. An example of such an exposure is routine military training involving heavy weaponry, such as artillery, recoilless rifles, and shoulder-held rocket launchers. These blast exposures are of a lower intensity than those causing acute combat-related injuries; however, repeated exposure may also have impacts on CNS structure, function, and development, as well as on the broader health of military service members.

The authors of this report review the relevant literature on the effects of repeated, military occupational blast (MOB) exposures; prioritize the key research and policy gaps related to repeated MOB exposure; and examine the projects and initiatives that attempt to address those research and policy gaps.

• Chapter One

  Introduction

• Chapter Two

  Methodology

• Chapter Three

  Review Findings

• Chapter Four

  Discussion

• Appendix A

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