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Berta
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]
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Dan Cedusky, Champaign IL "Colonel Dan"
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