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OCTOBER 12, 2000

A new report by the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences says that exposure to herbicides during the Vietnam War might be linked to the development of Type II diabetes later in life.

The report, however, stops at making a clear link between the two. Some of the herbicides used in the war contained dioxin, a lingering chemical pollutant which can lead to various health problems.

But veterans who were exposed to herbicides like Agent Orange and then developed diabetes might be able to get compensation. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) has to make the decision if there is indeed a link between herbicies and diabetes.

As with prior and subsequent military missions, many Native American soliders participated in the Vietnam War. In total, as many as 8 to 11 percent of the 2.6 million veterans may now have diabetes.

Read the Report:
Veterans and Agent Orange: Herbicide/Dioxin Exposure and Type 2 Diabetes (Institute of Medicine 2000)

Get the Story:
New review suggests possible association betweenAgent Orange and Adult-Onset diabetes (The National Academy of Sciences 10/11)

Related Stories:
Scientists trace Arctic pollution to US (Enviro 10/4)
Dioxins are everywhere (Enviro 10/4)

Relevant Links:
Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences -www.iom.edu
Department of Veterans Affairs - www.va.gov