CLINICAL SCENARIOS

CASE 1. A worker and supervisor were overexposed to electromagnetic countermeasures (ECM) pod radiation at an electronic warfare maintenance facility. The worker turned on an ECM pod without its required Radiofrequency Termination Hat (RTH). The supervisor noticed the problem upon entering the room and immediately placed the RTH on the ECM. The supervisor had approximately 30 seconds overexposure that resulted in 1st degree burns (i.e., skin reddening) to the left ear and face. The worker reported feeling nausea with no thermal injury. Investigator determined that the applicable ERL was exceeded by more than a factor of 10 based on physical signs and symptoms of the two individuals.

CASE 2. A service member was performing routine maintenance on a Patriot ground-based radar during a field training exercise. The service member worked directly in front of the radar for 10-15 minutes before learning that the radar was on and active. The service member moved away from the radar and reported profuse sweating, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, headache, and blurred vision. Symptoms resolved and the Soldier was discharged the next day. Investigator calculated the exposure exceeded the ERL by a factor of 10.

CASE 3. A worker walked past a cordon, which was located 120 ft and 60 degrees away from the cone of a running F-16 radar (i.e. AN/APG68). Then, the worker walked toward the F-16 radar at ~100 ft from the cone before turning back out of the cordon. The exposure duration was 3-5 seconds. Calculated power density was 9.44 W/m2 at 100 ft, which was below the ERL. The worker reported feeling warm and headache. Symptoms resolved with no further effects.