Comment on AN83-Proposed Rule-Bee, Seabee

Gastrointestinal System Studies reveal an increase in motility disorders in vibration-exposed workers. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease increases, and in experimental animals gastrointestinal bleeding is produced by vibration exposure. 5,6,25–27 In troops presenting with symptoms of reflux esophagitis, gastroesophageal reflux, or intestinal bleeding, the differential diagnosis should include repeated im- pact vibration in the field. Although not proven by studies, reducing that exposure where practical may result in a reduction or cessation of the symptoms. The Gulf War was the largest troop build up in History. The Noise, Vibration and Other Physical Exposures to the troops was incalculable. http://www.bordeninstitute.army.mil/published_volumes/mpmVol1/PM1ch24.pdf http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/physical/vibration.asp See: U.S. Naval Safety Center. http://safetycenter.navy.mil/acquisition/vibration/index.asp This is one of the causes of Gulf War Related' Illnesses! United States Navy Seabee Units were the most symptomatic troops! See: Gulf War Seabee Health Study http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/155/11/1033 Accession Number : AD0785202 Title : Vibration Disease and Its Pathogenesis, Corporate Author : FOREIGN TECHNOLOGY DIV WRIGHT-PATTERSONAFB OH Personal Author(s) : Andreeva-Galanina, E. C. ; Karpov, N. I. Report Date : 21 AUG 1974 The Seabee's are Construction Battalions! Would not this account for the Seabees being the most symptomatic troops? Did not the Seabees occupation alone expose, them to more dangerous vibration from equipment and tools? Why was there no safety awareness for Vibration Syndrome when the Security Bulliten was issued in 1974, 1983 and again 1989? See:http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/83110_38.html#Evidence See: 1989 CDC http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/89-106.html "Presented data give enough evidence to accept neural damage as a result of vibration exposure. " Sincerely, Gulf War Seabee's www.usvaw.org