Project RANCH HAND 2. An Epidemiologic Investigation of Health Effects in Air Force Personnel Following Exposure to Herbicides. Baseline Mortality Study Results
Abstract
In 1979 the United States Air Force (USAF) made the commitment to Congress and to the White House to conduct an epidemiologic study of the possible health effects from chemical exposure in Air Force personnel who conducted aerial herbicide dissemination missions in Vietnam (operation RANCH HAND). The purpose of this epidemiologic investigation is to determine whether long-term health effects exist and can be attributed to occupational exposure to herbicides. This study uses a matched cohort design in a nonconcurrent prospective setting, incorporating mortality, morbidity, and follow-up studies. The purpose of this report is to present the baseline mortality study results. As of December 31, 1982, 50 Ranch hand and 250 comparison subjects had died (certified on/before April 27, 1983). Data analysis showed that the mortality experience of the Ranch Hand group is nearly identical to that of this comparison group. However, this mortality report can in no way be regarded as conclusively negative since the study population may not yet have reached the latency period. Subsequent mortality reports will include additional analyses and will be updated annually for the next 20 years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA130793
Entities
People
- George D. Lathrop
- Patricia M. Moynahan
- Richard A. Albanese
- William H. Wolfe
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine