Study: Toxic Exposures Caused Gulf War Illnesses

New research shows that exposure to pesticides and other toxins caused Gulf War Illness among the 700,000 U.S. troops who fought in the first Gulf War. Researchers concluded that exposure to pesticides and ingestion of pyridostigmine bromide (PB) (prophylactic pills intended to protect troops against the effects of possible nerve gas) are "causally associated with GWI and the neurological dysfunction in Gulf War veterans." The research team also cites multiple studies showing a link between veterans' neurological problems and exposure to the nerve-gas agents sarin and cyclosarin, as well as to oil well fire emissions. A report of the study is available in the journal Cortex.