An Epidemiologic Investigation of Health Effects in Air Force Personnel Following Exposure to Herbicides - Mortality Update 1994.
Abstract
The purpose of the Air Force Health study is to determine whether those individuals involved in the spraying of herbicides in Vietnam during the Ranch Hand operation have experienced any adverse health effects as a result of their participation in that program. The study is designed to evaluate both the mortality (death) and morbidity (disease) in these individuals over a 20-year period beginning in 1982. The Baseline Mortality Report was released in June 1983, the Baseline Morbidity Report in February 1984. Follow-up mortality reports were released in 1984, 1985, 1986, 1989, and 1991. This study has not demonstrated health effects which can be conclusively attributed to herbicide or dioxin exposure. In summary, the overall all-cause mortality experience of the Ranch Hands was not different from that expected. As of 31 December 1992, 111(8.8%) of the 1261 Ranch hands have died; the expected number of deaths is 111.47. The observed and expected number of deaths among all Ranch Hands were not significantly different for accidental deaths, suicides and deaths caused by malignant neoplasms and circulatory system diseases. However, there were significantly increased numbers of Ranch Hand deaths due to digestive diseases and, to nonflying enlisted Ranch Hands, circulatory diseases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 13, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA291256
Entities
People
- Joel E. Michalek
- Judson C. Miner
- William H. Wolf
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine