Health status of Air Force veterans occupationally exposed to herbicides in Vietnam: I. physical health

Article Abstract:

The health effects of exposure to Agent Orange (a chemical defoliant) in members of an Air Force unit known as Operation Ranch Hand are evaluated. Members of the unit were exposed to herbicides or to a common contaminant of herbicides (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, TCDD) during flight operations and routine equipment maintenance for a period of at least one year while stationed in Vietnam. The health of Operation Ranch Hand veterans (995) and a group of Air Force veterans also stationed in Vietnam, but not occupationally exposed to herbicides (1,299), were compared in a series of physical examinations; a report is provided of the third assessment, which took place in 1987. Emphasis in the examinations was given to conditions considered likely to result from herbicide exposure, and conditions veterans consider to be related to such exposure. Results showed few differences between the two groups in the prevalence of several hundred medical conditions. A greater proportion of Ranch Hands than controls had basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) and other sun-exposure-related skin cancers, but test results that reflect the extent of damage to the skin were similar for the two groups. There were no differences between the groups in rates for systemic cancer and chloracne (a type of acne resulting from chemical exposure). TCDD levels were higher in Ranch Hands than controls, and in nonflying enlisted men than officers. Overall, the associations between exposure and disease were weak, and did not vary with military occupation. Although this study may contain methodological problems, there is presently not enough evidence to link herbicide exposure and disease in this group of Air Force veterans. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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Health status of Air Force veterans occupationally exposed to herbicides in Vietnam: II. Mortality

Article Abstract:

The Air Force Health Study is a 20-year prospective study designed to evaluate the health of Vietnam veterans who carried out aerial spraying with herbicides during their tours of duty. Results with respect to the health of this group are presented in a companion article in The Journal of the American Medical Association's October 10, 1990 issue. This report concerns mortality among members of Operation Ranch Hand, the unit responsible for the spraying. Noncombat mortality for the population of 1,261 Ranch Hands was compared with mortality of a comparison group of 19,101 Vietnam veterans with backgrounds similar to those of the Ranch Hands. Results revealed that the proportion of Ranch Hands who died was similar to that of the comparison group. The number of deaths due to specific causes, such as cancer, accidents, and circulatory disorders, was not different between the two groups. Although certain differences were found when unadjusted values were used, these disappeared when analyses took into account rank, occupation, date of birth, and amount of time since exposure. Elevations in mortality from digestive diseases among Ranch Hands are judged to be the result of alcohol abuse, although similar patterns of digestive disease were observed in Australian Vietnam veterans, and studies of Dow chemical company employees, who were exposed to Agent Orange (a defoliant). Overall, there was insufficient evidence to link herbicide exposure with mortality among this group of Vietnam veterans. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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Postservice mortality of US Air Force veterans occupationally exposed to herbicides in Vietnam: 15-year follow-up

Article Abstract:

Continuing research of Vietnam Air Force veterans shows no confirmed correlation between herbicide exposure and rate of mortality from cancer. Although a higher rate of mortality from digestive diseases was noted for personnel in general, veterans who participated in herbicide operations did not demonstrate significant increases in mortality due to cancers.

Risk factors, United States. Air Force, Cancer

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