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Gulf War Illness Is Real: Study

Research contradicts previous government denials

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 17, 2008 3:55 PM CST

(Newser) – Gulf War syndrome is real, and "few veterans have recovered or substantially improved with time," according to a scientific study commissioned by Congress. Nearly a quarter of the 700,000 troops who served in the first Gulf War suffer from neurological problems related to exposure to chemicals during the conflict, the LA Times reports. The study, released today, contradicts previous government reports, which had denied the connection.

The syndrome is partly the result of exposure to chemical agents released by enemy troops but is more attributable to pyridostigmine bromide—a drug the military gave troops to protect against the effects of nerve gas—and various pesticides used liberally to ward off desert insects. "The tragedy here is that there are no treatments," said the chair of the panel that commissioned the study.

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (2)]

Retired U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. James Fernandez, 54, of Fredericksburg, Va., holds a tray containing some of the prescription medications he uses to overcome his severe pain, Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007. (AP Photo/Bob Martin)

A Persian Gulf War veteran who only goes by the name of Cougar salutes from his wheelchair during a Veteran's Day Parade Saturday Nov. 11, 2007 in downtown Denver, Colo. (AP Photo/Laramie Daily Boomerang,Andy Carpenean)

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The research indicates that Gulf War illness is real, that it is a result of neurotoxic exposures during Gulf War deployment, and that few veterans have recovered with time.
- Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses

These veterans ... are victims of the war as much as anyone struck by a bullet or shell. - Lord David Craig, chief of the British defense staff during the first Gulf war

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Michael_CT

Nov 17, 2008 11:19 PM CST

This war thing is so sad. God only knows what those in Iraq are going to have to deal with in 20 years time. Thanks George. Thanks ALOT.

Guest

Nov 17, 2008 10:08 PM CST

Yet another outlay of government funds, to study something that any 3rd grader could tell you was real. So who came up with the bright idea to poison all our troops, not the enemy. No our own people, where these people given this drug for a real threat or a perceived threat, you know like the threat of WMD's the supposed reason we went to war with Iraq in the first place ? The cost to these young men and women is a disgrace to us all , what is the cost to these families and what is the cost of the DNA of these people to future generations? Can anyone remember Agent Orange? I am sure there is one place it did not affect the bottom line of the companies that made the drug.

Count4Something

Nov 17, 2008 7:43 PM CST

I have often wondered if these men and women were ever tested for Lyme Disease. Many of their symptoms sure fit the picture...

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Los Angeles Times (Source Grid »)

More on the report and the effects of Gulf War syndrome
CNN

"The dangers of modern war extend far beyond weapons"
Guardian (UK)

Science • US • World

Iraq • veterans • Middle East • US military • brain damage • nerve gas • Gulf War • Gulf War Syndrome • pesticide • neurotoxin

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Gulf War Illness Is Real: Study