An Epidemiologic Investigation of Health Effects in Air Force Personnel Following Exposure to Herbicides. Volume I: 1997 Follow-up Examination Results
Abstract
This report summarizes results from the Air Force Health Study (AFHS). The AFHS is an epidemiological study to determine whether adverse health effects attributable to exposure to herbicides exist in veterans of Operation Ranch Hand Operation. Ranch Hand was the unit responsible for the aerial spraying of herbicides, including Herbicide Orange, in Vietnam from 1961 to 1971. A Comparison cohort comprised Air Force veterans who served in Southeast Asia during the same time period that the Ranch Hand unit was active and who were not involved with spraying herbicides. The summarized data were collected during a physical examination administered between May 1997 and April l998. Of 1,149 eligible Ranch Hands, 870 (73.7%) participated and of 1,761 eligible Comparisons, 1,151(71.0%) participated. Statistical analyses assessed differences between Ranch Hands and Comparisons and associations between health-related endpoints and extrapolated initial dioxin, dioxin exposure category (Comparisons, background Ranch Hands, low Ranch Hands, high Ranch Hands), and dioxin measured in 1987. The study has insufficient statistical power to assess increases in the risk of rare diseases, such as soft tissue sarcoma. Diabetes and cardiovascular abnormalities represent the most important dioxin related health problems seen. From a public health perspective, these two areas demand the greatest attention.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA408237
Entities
People
- H. E. Marden Jr.
- J. C. Miner
- J. E. Michalek
- J. N. Robinson
- V. V. Elequin
Organizations
- Leidos