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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Health problems among the Persian Gulf War Veterans have been a concern since shortly after the 1990-91 conflict. Now, a new study shows there is evidence of high rates of illness among veterans that can be explained by exposure to certain chemicals, including pesticides and nerve agents.
Persian Gulf War Veterans have a higher rate of chronic, multi-symptom health problems than veterans who were not deployed or deployed elsewhere. The symptoms include fatigue, muscle or joint pain, memory problems, trouble sleeping, rash and breathing problems.
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The evidence suggest that exposure to this certain class of chemical may be linked to elevated health problems, says Beatrice Golomb, M.D., from the UC San Diego School of Medicine. Now, enough studied have been conducted, and results shared, to be able to say with considerable confidence that there is a link between chemical exposure and chronic, multi-symptom health problems. Dr. Golomb says there is also evidence of the same chemicals causing similar health problems in the general population.
For the study, researchers looked at evidence about a class of chemicals known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and organophosphates, which includes nerve gas chemicals. Some veterans were exposed to nerve gas when demolishing Iraqi facilities. Also, the pesticides used in the Gulf region to control sand flies exposed veterans to the same class of chemicals.
The study linked exposure to each of these chemicals to a third of returning Gulf War veterans who had health problems. Researchers say genetics also plays a role. Some people are genetically able to handle exposure to these chemicals better than others.
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SOURCE: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, published online March 10, 2008
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