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Occupational Exposures and Environmental Health Hazards of Military Personnel

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Geretto

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • Marco Ferrari

    (Texas Biomedical Research Institute, 8715 W. Military Drive, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA)

  • Roberta De Angelis

    (Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Filippo Crociata

    (General Inspectorate of Military Health, 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Nicola Sebastiani

    (General Inspectorate of Military Health, 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Alessandra Pulliero

    (Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa,16132 Genoa, Italy)

  • William Au

    (Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
    Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA)

  • Alberto Izzotti

    (Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
    IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy)

Abstract

Background: Military personnel are frequently exposed to environmental pollutants that can cause a variety of diseases. Methods: This review analyzed publications regarding epidemiological and biomonitoring studies on occupationally-exposed military personnel. Results: The exposures include sulfur mustard, organ chlorines, combustion products, fuel vapors, and ionizing and exciting radiations. Important factors to be considered are the lengths and intensities of exposures, its proximity to the sources of environmental pollutants, as well as confounding factors (cigarette smoke, diet, photo-type, healthy warrior effect, etc.). Assessment of environmental and individual exposures to pollutants is crucial, although often omitted, because soldiers have often been evaluated based on reported health problems rather than on excessive exposure to pollutants. Biomarkers of exposures and effects are tools to explore relationships between exposures and diseases in military personnel. Another observation from this review is a major problem from the lack of suitable control groups. Conclusions: This review indicates that only studies which analyzed epidemiological and molecular biomarkers in both exposed and control groups would provide evidence-based conclusions on exposure and disease risk in military personnel.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Geretto & Marco Ferrari & Roberta De Angelis & Filippo Crociata & Nicola Sebastiani & Alessandra Pulliero & William Au & Alberto Izzotti, 2021. "Occupational Exposures and Environmental Health Hazards of Military Personnel," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-50, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:10:p:5395-:d:557190
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bullman, T.A. & Mahan, C.M. & Kang, H.K. & Page, W.F., 2005. "Mortality in US Army Gulf War veterans exposed to 1991 Khamisiyah chemical munitions destruction," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(8), pages 1382-1388.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jelonia T. Rumph & Victoria R. Stephens & Joanie L. Martin & LaKendria K. Brown & Portia L. Thomas & Ayorinde Cooley & Kevin G. Osteen & Kaylon L. Bruner-Tran, 2022. "Uncovering Evidence: Associations between Environmental Contaminants and Disparities in Women’s Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-22, January.
    2. Silvia Gallucci & Serena Fiocchi & Marta Bonato & Emma Chiaramello & Gabriella Tognola & Marta Parazzini, 2022. "Exposure Assessment to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in Occupational Military Scenarios: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-14, January.

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