Public Health
VA’s Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center Program
Veterans who served during Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom (OIF), or New Dawn (OND), and who were exposed to a blast, may be concerned about health effects if toxic embedded fragments (also called shrapnel) entered their body. Possible health problems include injury at the site of the fragment and health effects from chemicals traveling from the fragment through the bloodstream.
To address health concerns, VA offers medical surveillance at the Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center Program at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. For more information, visit the Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center Program web site or contact your local Environmental Health Coordinator.
In addition, sometimes fragments contain depleted uranium. Veterans can be screened for depleted uranium exposures and may be eligible for VA‘s Depleted Uranium Follow-up Program. This program at the Baltimore VA Medical Center is designed to screen and monitor Veterans for health problems associated with exposure to depleted uranium. To be eligible, Veterans must have served in active duty during the Gulf War, Bosnia conflict, OEF, OIF, or OND.
