Heart Disease and Agent Orange
What is Agent Orange?
Agent Orange was used in Vietnam between 1961 and 1971. It is a specific blend of herbicides used to remove leaves from trees in the thick jungle canopy which may hide enemy forces.. Many Vietnam veterans were exposed to the Agent Orange herbicides.
How is Agent Orange Linked to Heart Disease
The Agent Orange Act of 1991 was passed by Congress due to uncertainty surrounding the health effects of Agent Orange exposure on Vietnam veterans. This act led the Institute of Medicine to review scientific and medical information connecting Agent Orange exposure to health effects.
Since 1991, there have been 8 updates to the “Veterans and Agent Orange” report compiled by the Institute of Medicine. The most recent updated occurred in 2008 and was released on July 24, 2009.
In the latest update, “the authoring committee found suggestive but limited evidence that exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War is associated with an increased chance of developing ischemic heart disease and Parkinson’s disease for Vietnam veterans.” (Source: http://iom.edu/Reports/2009/Veterans-and-Agent-Orange-Update-2008.aspx)
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
Heart Health Made Easy
http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com
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VA says since I was on flight crews just landing troops/supplies into and out from VN (full body bags back to the states, too) that does not qualify as ‘foot on the ground’ exposure, during the many flights I was a crew member on, doing this service in VN – as documented in my service recods.
Ischemic Heart Disease resulted in stent implants; then a couple years later some neurological symptoms that led to bypass surgery. A couple years later VA added IHD to list of disabilities VN vets like me can submit for health coverage.
Can you please tell me if research is being done on finding the connection between Agent Orange and Glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer? Can you connect me with someone who might be doing research or has some pertinent information that may be helpful for my husband to obtain VA benefits for this horrid disease? Thanks.
Judy Bryant