Allegations of increased Brain Tumors
Recent studies have investigated the possible adverse health effects being experienced by some of the 100,000 US Soldiers who were exposed to Sarin nerve gas (the same chemical nerve agent developed in Germany prior to WWII and now part of many nation's chemical weapons stockpiles) after soldiers blew up two large ammunition caches in Khamisiyah, Iraq, in March 1991. A link between increased incidences of brain tumors appears very likely based on the results of this exposure.
The studies, conducted by the Institute of Medicine, studied 100,000 of the 350,000 soldiers known to be on duty in the Gulf at the time these agents were destroyed - the 100,000 being the group who were most likely exposed to Sarin. The Institute advises the government on health policy.
According the military spokespersons, the US Military did not realize at the time that the destroyed munitions contained nerve gas, and that there were no immediate signs of infection by a chemical agent noted at the time. The discovery of Sarin was only made after UN Inspectors examined the destroyed munitions following the Gulf action in 1991. After this discovery was made, the military estimated that about 100,000 soldiers were exposed to the gas. In fact, the military has since made contact with 300,000 veterans with information that they may have been exposed to chemical warfare agents during their tenure in the Gulf conflict.
According to the study published in the American Journal of Public Health it appears that those soldiers inside the "hazard area" had about double the rate of fatal brain tumors versus the general population.
With unexposed soldiers, the study found a brain cancer death rate of about 12 per 100,000 from 1991 to 2000. Over the same period, researchers found the death rate due to brain cancers was about 25 per 100,000 for soldiers likely exposed to Sarin.
The study did not include "Gulf War Syndrome" which is a combination of varying symptoms even among solders who did not appear to be exposed to any CBW (Chemical-Biological weapons) during the conflict.
The study authors note that there have been no studies regarding the long-term effects of Sarin and that many exposed may not develop symptoms for ten to twenty years (or more) following exposure to such lethal agents. It is also noted that the research did not prove a link but instead strongly suggests or points to one. Additional studies are on going.
However, as Faith Davis, a professor at the University of Illinois noted, "It's a very serious study, it needs to be taken seriously."
Soldiers who were stationed in the Gulf have complained of a variety of symptoms, including brain tumors, both fatal and non-fatal. Those veteran soldiers who have died as a result of a brain tumor, or who are suffering from a brain tumor currently, may have a strong cause of action against the US Military and the Government for exposing them to lethal agents like Sarin without due caution, and who, after discharge developed these neurological tumors. The potential population could be significant and this presents itself as a potentially powerful emerging issue. If the rate of cancers increases over the next ten years as the studies suggest, the population could be quite significant.
Register your Sarin Nerve Gas Complaint
If you or a loved one has or have had a brain tumor, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible class action lawsuit. Please fill in our form on the right to submit your complaint and we will have a lawyer review your Gulf War Sarin Nerve Gas complaint.At LawyersandSettlements.com, it is our goal to keep you informed about important legal cases and settlements. We are dedicated to helping you resolve your legal complaints.
