Gulf War and Health

Gulf War and Health, Volume 2, is the second in a series of congressionally-mandated studies by the Institute of Medicine that provides a comprehensive assessment of the available scientific literature on potential health effects of exposure to certain biological, chemical, and environmental agents associated with the Gulf War. In this second study, the committee evaluated the published, peer-reviewed literature on exposure to insecticides and solvents thought to have been present during the 1990-1991 war.

Because little information exists on actual exposure levels — a critical factor when assessing health effects — the committee could not draw specific conclusions about the health problems of Gulf War veterans. However, the study found some evidence, although usually limited, to link specific long-term health outcomes with exposure to certain insecticides and solvents.

The next phase of the series will examine the literature on potential health effects associated with exposure to selected environmental pollutants and particulates, such as oil-well fires and jet fuels.

Table of Contents

• Front Matter
• Executive Summary
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Identifying and Evaluating the Literature
• 3. Insecticide Toxicology
• 4. Solvent Toxicology
• 5. Cancer and Exposure to Insecticides
• 6. Cancer and Exposure to Solvents
• 7. Neurologic Effects
• 8. Reproductive and Developmental Effects
• 9. Additional Health Effects
• Appendix A: Overview of Illnesses in Gulf War Veterens
• Appendix B: Conclusions and Recommendations: Gulf War and Health, Volume 1
• Appendix C: Identifying the Literature
• Appendix D: Insecticides and Solvents Sent to the Gulf War
• Appendix E: Relative Risks for Lung Cancer
• Appendix F: Neurologic Examination
• Appendix G: Consensus Conclusions Arranged by Health Outcome
• Index