Veterans at Risk

Discusses the development and chemistry of mustard agents and Lewisite followed by discussions about these substances and their possible connection to a range of health problems, from cancer to reproductive disorders. This volume also offers an examination of the use of volunteers in chemical warfare experiments by the US military.

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Recently, World War II veterans have come forward to claim compensation for health effects they say were caused by their participation in chemical warfare experiments.


In response, the Veterans Administration asked the Institute of Medicine to study the issue. Based on a literature review and personal testimony from more than 250 affected veterans, this new volume discusses in detail the development and chemistry of mustard agents and Lewisite followed by interesting and informative discussions about these substances and their possible connection to a range of health problems, from cancer to reproductive disorders.


The volume also offers an often chilling historical examination of the use of volunteers in chemical warfare experiments by the U.S. military—what the then-young soldiers were told prior to the experiments, how they were "encouraged" to remain in the program, and how they were treated afterward.


This comprehensive and controversial book will be of importance to policymakers and legislators, military and civilian planners, officials at the Department of Veterans Affairs, military historians, and researchers.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Executive Summary
1 Introduction
2 Methods of Literature Collection and Survey
3 History and Analysis of Mustard Agent and Lewisite Research Programs in the United States
4 Findings from the Public Hearing Process
5 Chemistry of Sulfur Mustard and Lewisite
6 Relationship of Mustard Agent and Lewisite Exposure to Carcinogenesis
7 Nonmalignant Respiratory Effects of Mustard Agents and Lewisite
8 Ocular Effects of Mustard Agents and Lewisite
9 Dermatological Effects of Mustard Agents and Lewisite
10 Other Physiological Effects of Mustard Agents and Lewisite
11 Relationship of Mustard Agent and Lewisite Exposure to Psychological Dysfunction
12 Summary of Findings and Recommendations
Bibliography
A. Scientific and Background Presentations Made to the Committee
B. Excerpt from The Residual Effects of Warfare Gases
C. Involvement of the National Academy of Sciences Complex in World War II Research Programs: A Summary
D. Excerpts from Chamber Tests with Human Subjects I, II, and IX. Naval Research Laboratory Reports Nos. P-2208 and P-2579
E. Interim Report and Addendum: Feasibility of Developing a Cohort of Veterans Exposed to Mustard Gas During WWII Testing Programs
F. Summary of the Department of the Army Report: Use of Volunteers in Chemical Agent Research
G. Public Hearing Announcement
H. Letter from Dr. Jay Katz to Dr. David P. Rall
I. Risk Assessment Considerations for Sulfur Mustard
J. Examination of the Effects of Certain Acute Environmental Exposures on Future Respiratory Health Consequences
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
Index