Many Gulf War veterans have experienced a variety of physical symptoms, collectively called Gulf War illnesses. In response to veterans’ concerns, the Department of Defense established a task force in June 1995 to investigate those incidents and circumstances related to possible causes of these unexplained illnesses. The Office of the Special Assistant assumed responsibility for these investigations on November 12, 1996, and continues to gather information on environmental and occupational exposures during the Gulf War and their possible effects on the health of the troops who served there.
US military personnel who served in the Gulf War were not only exposed to chemicals in the environment; they were also exposed to chemicals associated with their occupational activities as described in this article. For example, pesticides were widely used to control insects, rodents, and other disease-carrying pests. These pesticides were applied where veterans worked, ate, and slept. Some members of the general military population, that is, applicators who were involved in the day-to-day handling and use of pesticides, and who did not wear personal protective equipment, may have been exposed to certain pesticides above levels considered safe for human health. This is a concern because if improperly used, pesticides have the potential to cause adverse health effects. In addition to pesticides, other occupationally related issues included chemical agent resistant coating (CARC) paint, retrograde contaminated equipment, and depleted uranium. Furthermore and along with the occupationally related issued were the environmentally related issues that included exposure to oil well fire smoke, particulate matter, and contaminated water.
References: http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/story/envs.jsp
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