Thousands of U.S. troops and their family members were poisoned by carbon monoxide over the past 10 years, according to a military health report detailing thousands of exposures, reports Stars and Stripes.
The report in the Defense Health Agency's medical journal said around 6,400 troops and their family members were poisoned in mostly accidental cases, though 11% of active duty service members intentionally harmed themselves.
Cases were diagnosed at more than 190 military installations around the world. Troops working in repair and engineering jobs accounted for more poisonings, and Fort Carson in Colorado had the highest number of confirmed cases at 60. The study found confirmed cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in nearly 1,270 active-duty troops, 361 reservists and just over 4,700 family members between 2009 and 2019.
"This finding warrants further analysis to examine the overall incidence rates of CO intoxication across occupations and highlights the importance of appropriate preventive measures for military personnel who repair or maintain vehicles," journal editor Cmdr. Shawn S. Clausen said in an email.
"Military personnel can also potentially be exposed to CO . . . by working with machinery, motor vehicles, and gasoline-powered tools," Clausen said.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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