Veterans and Agent Orange

Have U.S. military personnel experienced health problems from being exposed to Agent Orange, its dioxin contaminants, and other herbicides used in Vietnam? This definitive volume summarizes the strength of the evidence associating exposure during Vietnam service with cancer and other health effects and presents conclusions from an expert panel. Veterans and Agent Orange provides a historical review of the issue, examines studies of populations, in addition to Vietnam veterans, environmentally and occupationally exposed to herbicides and dioxin, and discusses problems in study methodology. The core of the book presents: What is known about the toxicology of the herbicides used in greatest quantities in Vietnam. What is known about assessing exposure to herbicides and dioxin. What can be determined from the wide range of epidemiological studies conducted by different authorities. What is known about the relationship between exposure to herbicides and dioxin, and cancer, reproductive effects, neurobehavioral disorders, and other health effects. The book describes research areas of continuing concern and offers recommendations for further research on the health effects of Agent Orange exposure among Vietnam veterans. This volume will be critically important to both policymakers and physicians in the federal government, Vietnam veterans and their families, veterans organizations, researchers, and health professionals. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Executive Summary 2 History of the Controversy Over the Use of Herbicides 3 The U.S. Military and the Herbicide Program in Vietnam 4 Toxicology 5 Methodologic Considerations in Evaluating the Evidence 6 Exposure Assessment 7 Epidemiologic Studies 8 Cancer 9 Reproductive Effects 10 Neurobehavioral Effects 11 Other Health Effects 12 Research Recommendations Appendixes A: Information Gathering: Literature Searches B: Information Gathering: Presentations to the Committee and Outside Meetings C: Methodologic Observations on the Ranch Hand Study D: Committee and Staff Biographies E: Author Index, Chapters 7-11 Glossary Acronyms and Abbreviations Index