A study backed by the Pentagon and the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that repeated exposure to low-level shockwaves during military service is associated with aggression in veterans.
A study backed by the Pentagon and the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that repeated exposure to low-level shockwaves during military service is associated with aggression in veterans.
For the research, experts from the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System and the University of Utah analyzed 3.64 million clinical notes from 10,000 veterans using an artificial intelligence solution.
They discovered that 17.2 percent of veterans in high-blast occupations had documented anger, aggression, or violence-related concerns, compared to 12.0 percent in lower-blast roles.
The link remained significant even after controlling for post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and combat exposure.
Veterans in high-exposure roles, such as artillery, armor, and weapons instruction, showed a 22 percent higher probability of documented anger issues in adjusted models.
"Although the effect was moderate, our findings do suggest that long-term occupational blast exposure is a risk factor for anger, even independently of other military exposures," said Eamonn Kennedy, the study’s lead author.
Most Risks in Training
Researchers noted that most of the occupational blast exposure accumulates over time through routine weapons training and breaching exercises, unlike traumatic brain injuries caused by sudden events.
Due to this observation, the scholars suggested that risks could be mitigated through updated protocols and safety equipment.
“Occupational blast exposure is largely modifiable because it typically occurs during training, where we have very, very controlled situations, and that gives us access for reducing harm,” Kennedy said.
“There’s a balance where people can still be trained and prepared to do the mission, but with less risk for these negative health consequences.”
Results are published in the journal Military Medicine, titled “When the Fuse Is Lit: Association of Military Occupational Blast Exposure With Anger, Aggression, and Violence.”
