Legacy of Our Veterans' Military Exposures
Justice - social, environmental, human
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Gulf War Exposures

Gulf War I (August 2, 1990 – March 3, 1991), includes Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
Gulf War Research
VA and research organizations continue to evaluate possible causes of Gulf War Veterans' chronic multisymptom illnesses, including exposure to oil well fires, smoke and petroleum.

GULF WAR VETERANS' ILLNESSES

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Signs of chronic fatigue, such as unexplained and persistent exhaustion, may be connected to your Gulf War service. Learn more.
Certain illnesses are associated with Gulf War service in the Southwest Asia theater of military operations during the first Gulf War starting August 2, 1990 through the conflict in Iraq. Learn more.

Toxic Military Exposures

Chemical & Biological Weapons

(Khamisiyah, Iraq) Ammunitions storage depot containing warfare agents that was demolished

Depleted Uranium

Uranium used in military tank armor and some bullets

Oil Well Fire, Smoke and Petroleum

Oil or gas wells that caught on fire and burned

Pesticides (Gulf War)

Substances used to repel or destroy pests such as insects and pathogens

Pyridostigmine Bromide (PB)

Round, white tablet used as pre-treatment drug to protect against nerve agent soman

Toxic Embedded Fragments

Shrapnel and other metals that remain in the body after injury

Sand, Dust and Particulates

Tiny airborne matter that can cause respiratory and other health problems

CARC Paint

Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) used on military vehicles to resist corrosion and chemical agents

Vaccinations

Including anthrax and botulinum toxoid

Occupational Hazards

Exposures from working with chemicals, paints, and machinery during service

Infectious Diseases

Nine infectious diseases associated with Southwest Asia and Afghanistan military service Learn more

Non Toxic Military Exposures

Occupational Hazards

Exposures from working with chemicals, paints, and machinery during service

Noise

Harmful sounds from guns, equipment, and machinery that is often experienced during service

Heat Injuries

Health problems that could be caused by extremely hot temperatures

PUBLICATIONS & REPORTS ON GULF WAR VETERANS' ILLNESSES

The Environmental Health Registry Programs for Veterans brochure provides an overview of five VA health registry programs that track the health of Veterans exposed to environmental hazards during military service: Gulf War, Ionizing Radiation, Agent Orange, Depleted Uranium, and Toxic Embedded Fragments. Open PDF Here.

Pocket Guide for Clinicians, this guide will help health care providers care for Veterans with exposure concerns. Environment Exposure Pocket Card Open PDF Here.

Reports on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses view other reports HERE.

The Veterans Health Initiative on Caring for Gulf War I Veterans (800 KB, PDF) is a study guide that provides clinicians an overview of the Gulf War, VA and Department of Defense health programs, plus common symptoms and diagnoses of these Veterans.Open PDF Here.

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