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Published online 16 April 2008 | 452, 786 (2008) | doi:10.1038/452786a
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Further delays to full Agent Orange study
Veterans department accused of foot-dragging over research into health effects of the herbicide.
A study to investigate the health effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam War veterans is being obstructed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), claim scientists and veterans' organizations.
The department compensates veterans exposed to Agent Orange who have since gone on to develop conditions known to be linked to dioxins in the herbicide, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and soft-tissue cancer.
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Dioxin(s) have been studied to death and their effects on HUMAN health are unimpressive for what some call "the most toxic substance" humans have ever produced. There are extensive data on Operation Ranch Hand servicemen, and they do not tell not much of a toxic story. The money needed for this study would be better spent by putting it toward tangible health problems of the veterans or Vietnamese people instead of funding a fishing trip to achieve statistical significance for a weak health effect from dioxin exposure. Chuck
How interesting that you would note that the Study by Ginevan was sponsored by Dow and Monsanto, yet ignore that much of the work of the Stellmans was originally sponsored by the American Legion.
These developments are shameful. My father-in-law was a Vietman Vet who was exposed to agent orange, developed leukemia a few years ago, and passed away recently. We had to fight with the VA for coverage. It is so sad how our government has used the patriotism and bravery of young people in times of need, only to leave them hanging out to dry when they develop diseases much later on related to exposure to harmful substrances during their service. I hope the researchers can find an alternative funding source to get this study done - it is so important to all of the individuals who served in Vietnam and now have health problems.