This initial volume in an ongoing study of the potential health consequences of service during the Persian Gulf War responds to a request from Congress to determine whether actions taken to evaluate health effects have been appropriate. It reflects the committee's examination of health outcomes and related research efforts, women's health and reproductive health issues, infrastructure and procedures for data collection, health services influences, the role of psychiatric diagnosis, and a review of the activities of boards and coordinating groups, as well as how issues stemming from involvement in the Persian Gulf might be relevant for possible future conflicts. While the committee continues its full-length study of the problem, the recommendations in this volume are for actions it feels should be taken immediately.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Introduction
Findings and Recommendations
Background
References
Appendix A: Putative Outcomes of Exposure
Appendix B: Invited Presentations
Appendix C: Portions of PL 102-25, PL 102-190, and PL 102-585
Appendix D: Meetings of the IOM Committee
Appendix E: Activities (as of September 1994) Related to Potential Health Consequences of Service in the Persian Gulf
Appendix F: Timeline of Relevant Events
Acronyms