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Fwd From Colonel Dan

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Berta

Question

I have not been able to find a copy of the study on-line.. here are some

articles on it. I sent copies of this to another who may be able to provide

a URL or link to the actual study

http://masseynews.massey.ac.nz/2006/Press_...s/07-28-06.html

To contact a Massey University staff member by phone, ring +64 (06) 356 9099

or +64 (06) 350 5799, then enter the appropriate extension or hold for the

operator. Dr Rowland at extension 7977

Rowland, Al

RE

Institute of Molecular Biosciences (PN)

Palmerston North

7977

<http://imbs.massey.ac.nz/Staff/rowland.html>

http://imbs.massey.ac.nz/Staff/rowland.html

http://masseynews.massey.ac.nz/2006/Massey...ies/11-14-06.ht

ml

Veterans want further study on DNA findings

The results of a study indicating a significant level of genetic damage to

the DNA of Vietnam War veterans warrants a larger investigation, the

Ex-Vietnam Services Association says.

The analysis of 25 veterans was conducted by Masters student Louise Edwards

under the supervision of Dr Al Rowland from the Institute of Molecular

Biosciences and the results are now in the hands of the veterans.

Ms Edwards and Dr Rowland studied the rate of "sister chromatid exchange" in

the cells - a test which analyses the way chromosomes self-replicate. A

comparatively higher level of sister chromatid exchange identified in the

study indicates genetic damage.

Ex-Vietnam Services Association spokesperson Chris Mullane says the study

reinforces the association's concerns that the exposure of Vietnam vets to

Agent Orange and other toxic substances has serious health implications for

them and future generations.

The association, with a membership of more than 1800, anticipates the

Government will consider initiating a comprehensive study as part of its

stated commitment to fully understanding the health issues facing veterans

and their families.

Dr Rowland says that although the study sample was statistically small, it

is significant in that it shows the group, who were exposed to a harmful

environmental agent, may have incurred genetic damage.

The sister chromatid exchange assays conducted on the sample suggest that

the men have been exposed to a harmful clastogenic (an environmental agent

which results in damage to DNA) as a result of service in Vietnam.

The chromosomal reproduction of the 25 veterans was compared with a control

group of 25 former servicemen who did not serve in Vietnam. Dr Rowland says

the factors of smoking, alcohol consumption and the use of medical x-rays

were taken into account when comparing the DNA of the two groups.

Veteran Evan McKenzie says he is convinced that Ms Edward's report will be

proven to be a significant publication on the long-term effects of toxic

exposure. He has urged New Zealand veterans to weigh the report against the

previous McLeod report.

Mr McKenzie praises the diversity of the report and its author. "This woman

has had the guts and integrity to tackle a very controversial topic with

persistance and objective intellect and I offer heartfelt congratulations,

on behalf of my family,for her insight and observations."

In April this year the Nuclear Test Veterans Association released the

results of a similar study conducted by Dr Rowland. It involved the analysis

of the DNA of Navy veterans exposed to nuclear radiation during Operation

Grapple in 1957 and 1958, where nuclear bombs were detonated at Christmas

Island and on Malden Island in Kiribati.

Created: 11 August, 2006

*****************

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=204

<http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10393538>

&objectid=10393538

DNA injury confirmed in Vietnam veterans

by Patrick Gower

Saturday, July 29, 2006

A study of New Zealand Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange has

confirmed they have suffered genetic damage - and found that their children

and grandchildren may experience the same fate.

The Massey University study, released yesterday, found that the sample of 24

veterans tested had damage to their DNA following exposure to the herbicide,

which was sprayed by US forces to remove jungle cover and food supplies from

the enemy.

The study said the results warranted a larger study of New Zealand veterans,

and a study of their children.

"Some veterans who have not felt concerned for themselves will now be asking

what this means for their children or grandchildren," said Chris Mullane, of

the Ex-Vietnam Services Association.

"Once you start screwing around with human DNA, who knows what the outcome

will be. The main concern of veterans is not about ourselves now. It is

about what happens to our children when we go."

The Government should order the further studies "without delay".

The research has come too late to be included in the Agent Orange Joint

Working Group report, which recommends that the Government apologise and pay

veterans poisoned by Agent Orange $50,000 each.

Defence Minister Phil Goff and Veterans' Affairs Minister Rick Barker said

they had not yet officially received the report.

"The Government is open to new information and analysis which gives us

insight into health effects of being exposed to a toxic environment in

Vietnam," they said.

"We welcome further work which adds to our knowledge of the effects of Agent

Orange and adds to the international research we are relying on."

Agent Orange study to show significant damage

UPDATED 2.15pm Friday July 28, 2006

A report out today was expected to show that all New Zealand Vietnam War

veterans exposed to the defoliant Agent Orange may have suffered genetic

damage.

The Massey University study is also expected to show that the genetic damage

caused by exposure to toxins in the herbicide may affect both the children

and grandchildren of servicemen.

All 25 Manawatu veterans involved in the research are believed to have had

genetic degeneration, some of it significant.

Veterans and their families who have battled with serious health problems

and birth defects have argued for 30 years that Agent Orange has had a

genetic impact upon them and their children.

Successive governments have said there was no proof the veterans had been

exposed, let alone hurt.

Two years ago, a select committee confirmed that Agent Orange was sprayed on

New Zealand soldiers in Vietnam.

Ex-Vietnam Servicemen's Association spokesman Chris Mullane said the study

endorsed the findings of overseas research and confirmed what they had known

for decades.

It was, however, good to have a study which specifically targeted the New

Zealand experience, he told National Radio.

Mr Mullane acknowledged the study was a small one and hoped the Government

would now support a wider study involving more veterans and their progeny.

A research team based at Massey's Institute of Molecular BioSciences studied

what is known as "sister chromatid exchange" in cells. This test analyses

the way chromosomes reproduce themselves. It looks for clastogens, which are

environmental agents that cause genetic damage and can cause cancer.

A joint working group involving the Ex-Vietnam Servicemen's Association and

the Government, set up to study the health of Vietnam veterans and look at

the possibility of paying compensation to those who have suffered health

problems, is due to report back soon.

Veteran Affairs Minister Rick Barker has had the report since April.

Mr Mullane said he hoped the findings of the latest research would be

considered by the group and would strengthen the families' case for

compensation.

The full results of the research are due to be released later today.

The Green Party said the study showed the Government should reconsider its

position on paying compensation.

"This study indicates these men have suffered irreversible effects from

their exposure to the defoliant during their time in Vietnam," said health

spokeswoman Sue Kedgley.

"It is time the Government acknowledged this and gave the veterans the

compensation they have been seeking."

-----Original Message-----

From: Richard Weeks [mailto:rweeks1@nycap.rr.com]

Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 2:55 PM

To: colonel-dan@sbcglobal.net

Subject: FW: FW: Agent Orange Damages DNA, New Zealand Report, 23 July 2006

Colonel Dan, I was wondering if you had information for the above topic

,that could be sent to Clayton Kobe, former Marine and now an aid to NYS

Senator Balboni, Chair of NYS Senate Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

-----Original Message-----

From: kolb@senate.state.ny.us [mailto:kolb@senate.state.ny.us]

Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 3:07 PM

To: Richard Weeks

Subject: Re: FW: Agent Orange Damages DNA, New Zealand Report, 23 July 2006

Rick,

I was wondering if you had seen this report yet, and if so any chance I can

access a copy. Can you point me in the right direction so I can track it

down? Thanks for your help.

Clayton Kolb

Legislative Analyst

Sen. Michael Balboni's Office

803-LOB

Albany, NY 12247

(518) 455-2471

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

__._,_.___

Messages in this topic (1) Reply (via web post) | Start a new topic

Messages

"Keep on, Keepin' on"

Dan Cedusky, Champaign IL "Colonel Dan"

See my web site at:

http://www.angelfire.com/il2/VeteranIssues/

Change your email address when needed by signing in at

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VeteranIssues/

Forward to other veterans, tell them to Sign up at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/VeteranIssues/join

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