From 1962 to 1971, the U.S. military sprayed herbicides over Vietnam to strip the thick jungle canopy that could conceal opposition forces, to destroy crops that those forces might depend on, and to clear tall grasses and bushes from the perimeters of U.S. base camps and outlying fire-support bases.

In response to concerns and continuing uncertainty about the long-term health effects of the sprayed herbicides on Vietnam veterans, Veterans and Agent Orange provides a comprehensive evaluation of scientific and medical information regarding the health effects of exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used in Vietnam. The 2008 report is the eighth volume in this series of biennial updates. It will be of interest to policy makers and physicians in the federal government, veterans and their families, veterans' organizations, researchers, and health professionals.



Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 Evaluating the Evidence
3 Exposure to the Herbicides Used in Vietnam
4 Information Related to Biologic Plausibility
5 Epidemiologic Studies - New Citations and Background on
Repeatedly Studied Populations
6 Cancer
7 Reproductive Effects and Impacts on Future Generations
8 Neurologic Disorders
9 Other Health Effects
10 Conclusions and Recommendations
Appendix A: Agendas of Public Meetings Held by the Committee to
Review the Health Effects in Vietnam Veterans of Exposure to
Herbicides (Seventh Biennial Update)
Appendix B: Clarification of Cancer Groupings Used in Reporting
Results, with Correspondence to NIOSH Cause-of-Death Codes and ICD
Codes for Cancers
Appendix C: Committee to Review the Health Effects in Vietnam
Veterans of Exposure to Herbicides (Seventh Biennial Update) and
Staff Biographies