Final answer:
The phase of a blast causing interaction with body surfaces can lead to severe injuries, such as blast lung and traumatic brain injury. These result from the pressure wave's force and the body's response to it, including primary and secondary damage mechanisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phase of a blast that results from the impact of the overpressure and underpressure waves interacting with body surfaces is responsible for causing a wide range of injuries such as blast lung, tympanic membrane rupture, abdominal hemorrhage, globe rupture, and mild traumatic brain injury. These injuries occur because of the high energy and velocity associated with blast waves, which can cause both immediate and secondary damage to internal organs and structures. For example, in cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI), there can be an acute initial injury from the blast itself, followed by secondary injury caused by processes such as excitotoxicity, where damaged cells release harmful substances that can lead to additional neuronal death.
In the context of blasts and explosions, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms of injury since they inform both emergency response protocols and medical treatment strategies. Blast injuries typically result from the complex interplay of the blast wave and the body's surfaces and internal structures, potentially leading to complex and life-threatening conditions. Special attention is given to protecting against such injuries by adopting certain protective postures—if one has advance warning of a blast, lying flat on the ground can reduce the likelihood of being thrown by the blast wave or struck by debris.