Effects of the Persian Gulf War.  The panel found the complex biological, chemical, physical, and psychological environment in the Gulf appears to have produced complex adverse health effects.  They recommended reexamining the necessity of a blood ban.

The National Academy of Science (NAS) has been contracted by the VA and DoD to review existing scientific and research information on the health consequences of the Gulf war. 

CDC Research

The CDC has two main epidemiological studies it is conducting.  The first is an investigation of the illnesses experienced by air national guard members in Pennsylvania.  They have found a substantial increase in symptoms among Gulf vets as compared to Gulf-era service members.  A study has been published and research is ongoing.

The CDC is also working with the Iowa Department of Public Health to conduct an epidemiological study by telephone  to compare 1,500 Iowan Gulf veterans with 1,500 Iowan Gulf-era veterans to determine the prevalence of symptoms, diseases, and risk factors.  The survey will include the status of spouses and children.  This is an ongoing study, but preliminary results indicate a much higher prevelence of symptoms among deployed veterans.

Presidential Advisory Committee

In May 1995, President Clinton appointed a committee to review activities related to illnesses present in Gulf War veterans.  They examined research, coordinating efforts, medical treatment, outreach, reviews, risk factors, and chemical and biological weapons.  An Interim Report was released in February 1996, a Final Report was released in January 1997, and a Special Report will be released in November 1997.

As of the fall 1997, the members of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Persian Gulf Veteran's Illnesses (PAC) are strongly divided as to whether there is a credible scientific link between low-level chemical agent exposures and negative health outcomes.  However, the PAC shares veterans concerns regarding the widespread mistrust and lack of credibility of the Pentagon on these issues.

House Committees

The House Veterans' Affairs Committee has held numerous hearings on the health effects of the Persian Gulf war and the responsiveness of governmental agencies.  Most recently the Subcommittee on Human Resources and Intergovernmental Relations, chaired by Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT), investigated the responsiveness of the VA to Gulf War veterans.  Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is sponsoring legislation aimed at funding quasi-independent research, via NIH and the CDC, on the health effects of chemical exposures.

Senate Committees

Senator Reigle, at the time the Chair of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, sponsored the most comprehensive research on Gulf War Syndrome and the relation to chemical and biological weapons exposures.

Senator Rockefeller, at the time Chair of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, held hearings on the experimental drugs and vaccines administered to troops.

Government Accounting Office (GAO)

The GAO is conducting ongoing investigations into VA health care and the DoD's investigation into chemical agent exposures.  They have release a number of reports over the last few years, which can be obtained by calling (202) 512-6000.  The most recent report outlines scientific research regarding chemical exposures.
GAO staff is very interested in hearing from veterans regarding their treatment at VA medical facilities.

Persian Gulf Coordinating Board

This Board was established in January 1994 to address the health concerns of Gulf War veterans.  It is composed of the heads of the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services.  Its purpose is to oversee and coordinate working groups focused on research, clinical issues, and disability compensation.

In August 1995 it published A Working Plan for Research on Persian Gulf Veterans' Illnesses.  This report is intended to be a government blueprint to guide the search for answers about the health of Gulf veterans and an inventory of federal research currently in progress.  Of the 26 DoD and VA studies clearly outlined, nine (35%) are on psychiatric topics.

NIH & NAS
In April 1994 the National Institutes of Health (NIH)  sponsored a Technology Assessment Workshop on the Health

Second Edition - Fall 1997          Page 10