Hypothyroidism,
bladder cancer, and multiple myeloma have been linked to Agent Orange
herbicide exposure. On the other hand, the new findings do not support
that spina bifida, a birth defect, may occur in offspring of veterans
who served during the Vietnam War and were exposed to Agent Orange.
The report is 1,115 pages long and outlines health complications
associated with exposure to Agent Orange, along with other herbicides
during the Vietnam War. The findings of the link between bladder cancer,
hypothyroidism, and Agent Orange came from a large study of Korean War
veterans who also served during the Vietnam War. On the other hand,
spina bifida factor was downgraded, as there was not enough supporting
evidence that Agent Orange increased the risk of spina bifida.
The authors wrote, “[The inclusion of] spina bifida in the limited or
suggestive category of association was based on preliminary findings
from [an ongoing Air Force study]. However, to date, a complete analysis
of the data from that study for neural tube defects has not been
published … [and] no subsequent studies have found increases in spina
bifida with exposure to components of the herbicides sprayed in
Vietnam.”
Bladder cancer and hypothyroidism were upgraded, as more evidence had
come to light to reveal a stronger link, and Parkinson-like symptoms
were also added.
Nearly 2.6 million Americans served in Vietnam who could have all
been exposed to Agent Orange during their years in service. The
herbicide was sprayed across 20 percent of the country’s jungles where
enemy troops could hide. Many veterans are still trying to get
recognized as having been exposed to Agent Orange even on the ship or
plane. Retired Navy Commander John Wells said, “There was no magic,
invisible Agent Orange filter at the mouth of the rivers. We have
documented proof of its presence in Nha Trang Harbor, 20 years after the
war. That evidence has been presented to the VA. The distillation
system which produced drinking water and water for the boilers did not
remove the dioxin — it enriched it.”
Ongoing studies of veterans’ health have been recommended to not only
determine the effects of the herbicide on the veterans, but on their
offspring as well.
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