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August 20, 2008 4:12:55 PM CDT

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Gulf Illness Blamed on Chemicals

Posted Mar 11, 08 9:05 AM CDT in Science & Health,  US 

(Newser) – Exposure to chemicals and pesticides during the first Gulf War is the likely cause of widespread illnesses suffered by its veterans, a new study concludes. Some 250,000 veterans of the conflict—a third of the troops who served— suffer fatigue, muscle and joint pain, memory lapses, intestinal problems, and sleep disturbances, the San Diego Tribune reports. The umbrella of ailments is widely known as Gulf War syndrome, though federal authorities resist that label.

“Enough studies have been conducted to be able to say with considerable confidence that there is a link," said the lead researcher. The study blames exposure to pesticides used to kill sand flies, anti-nerve-gas pills, and chemicals released when an Iraqi munitions bunker was destroyed. The key culprit is believed to be a class of chemicals still used for pest control in homes, offices, and farms in the US.

Source Union-Tribune (San Diego)

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General Norman Schwarzkopf brief reporters during the 1991 Gulf War. A new study says thousands of veterans suffering from Gulf War Syndrome were made sick by chemicals and pesticides used during the...   (AP File)
Some 250,000 US veterans who served in Gulf War to liberate Kuwait slaim to suffer from Gulf War Syndrome. A new study links the symptoms to chemicals and pesticides used in the war.   (AP)
A burned out Iraqi tank rests near a series of oil well fires in Kuwait during the 1991 Gulf War. A new study says chemicals and pesticides used in the war are responsible for Gulf War syndrome suffered...   (David Longstreath / AP )
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Iraq  • Pentagon  • Department of Veterans Affairs  • Kuwait  • memory loss  • chronic fatigue syndrome  • National Academy of Sciences  • muscle pain


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