An Epidemiologic Investigation of Health Effects in Air Force Personnel Following Exposure to Herbicides. Mortality Update 1993.
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 overall all-cause mortality experience of the Ranch Hands is not significantly different from the expected. As of 31 December 1991, 106 (8.4%) of the 1261 Ranch Hands have died; the expected number of deaths is 103. The observed and expected numbers of deaths 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, in nonflying enlisted personnel, circulatory system diseases. Both of these increases have been noted in previous reports and both are, as yet, unexplained.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 19, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA291257
Entities
People
- Joel E. Michalek
- Judson C. Miner
- William H. Wolf
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine