Inspections conducted in military housing over a three-year period, all over the globe, have exposed multiple health and safety hazards that could possibly be putting service members and their families at risk.
Among the hazards inspectors found were high levels of radon gas, excessive mold, and electrical and fire prevention deficiencies.
According to Stars and Stripes, “Exposed wiring, faulty smoke detectors and ventilation issues were among the most pervasive problems found.”
Earlier this month the publication reported that a series of significant and potentially dangerous problems were found with electrical and fire protection systems in military housing at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
Of the six places inspected from 2013-15, Okinawa, Japan had the most instances of unsafe levels of radon gas – the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US. In Jordan, the inspection at a single facility found 77 “critical deficiencies,” Stars and Stripes reported.
As a result of the October Inspector General’s report– which found “systemic weaknesses”–the DOD is being urged to hire independent inspectors to review facilities at least twice a year.
The report also indicated that a majority of the deficiencies identified in previous reports ‘could have been avoided’ and that the DOD should ‘prioritize hiring qualified inspectors’.
The Navy reportedly plans to issue new guidance by the end of this month following the IG’s recommendation and the Army will reportedly do so within six months.
© 2016 Bright Mountain Media, Inc.
All rights reserved. The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of Bright Mountain Media, Inc. which may be contacted at info@brightmountainmedia.com, ticker BMTM.
