Veterans and Agent Orange

From 1962 to 1971, the U.S. military sprayed herbicides over Vietnam to strip the thick jungle canopy that could conceal opposition forces, to destroy crops that those forces might depend on, and to clear tall grasses and bushes from the perimeters of U.S. base camps and outlying fire-support bases. In response to concerns and continuing uncertainty about the long-term health effects of the sprayed herbicides on Vietnam veterans, Veterans and Agent Orange provides a comprehensive evaluation of scientific and medical information regarding the health effects of exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam. The 2006 report is the seventh volume in this series of biennial updates. It will be of interest to policy makers and physicians in the federal government, veterans and their families, veterans' organizations, researchers, and health professionals. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Evaluating the Evidence 3 Toxicology 4 Epidemiologic Studies - New Citations for Update 2006 and Background on Repeatedly Studied Populations 5 Exposure Assessment 6 Cancer 7 Reproductive and Developmental Effects 8 Neurologic Disorders 9 Other Health Effects 10 Research Recommendations APPENDIX A Agendas of Public Meetings Held by the Committee to Review the Health Effects in Vietnam Veterans of Exposure to Herbicides (Sixth Biennial Update) APPENDIX B Clarification of Cancer Groupings Used in Reporting Results, with Correspondence to NIOSH Cause-of-Death Codes and ICD Codes for Cancers APPENDIX C Epidemiologic Tables for Chapter 4 APPENDIX D Committee to Review the Health Effects in Vietnam Veterans of Exposure to Herbicides (Sixth Biennial Update) and Staff Biographies