Vietnam conflict presented distinctive health challenges.

The Australian and overseas studies conducted since the mid 1990s have demonstrated a number of statistically significant increases in mortality and morbidity among Vietnam veterans.

by Dr. Eileen J. Wilson

Originally published in 2003.

(MELBOURNE) – AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE PERSONNEL participated in the Vietnam Conflict from 1962 to 1973. This was the most significant military commitment of Australian Forces since World War II, involving nearly 60000 personnel, of whom over 500 died during service and 3131 were severely physically wounded.

Service during the Vietnam conflict presented distinctive health challenges. The nature of the conflict meant that troops were under combat-like conditions for extended periods. Herbicides and pesticides were used extensively. The United States military sprayed more than 76000000L of herbicides over Vietnam in their Air Force Ranch Hand and Operation Trail Dust programs. 1

The herbicides were used to strip the jungle canopy in order to reveal enemy positions, as well as to destroy crops and clear the perimeters of US and allied base camps.

The most heavily used of these herbicides was agent orange, contaminated with 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, a known toxic agent. Other chemicals used widely in Vietnam included other herbicides (paraquat and dimethylarsenic acid), pesticides (picloram and DDT), antimalarial drugs (dapsone) and solvents (toluene).

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Since the Vietnam conflict, ex-Service organisations (ESOs) have maintained that Vietnam service adversely affected the health of veterans. Initial studies into the health of veterans done in the 1980s showed no excess risk attributed to their service. However, more recent studies have shown that Vietnam veterans have excess incidence and mortality rates from several conditions, such as cancers and heart disease. In addition, environmental and occupational studies on the toxic effects of chemicals of interest have been useful in assessing health risks of Vietnam service.

This article reviews Australian and overseas studies on the physical health effects of Vietnam service.

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Source: Salem-News.com

Originally published in 2003.