Study confirms Agent Orange caused genetic damage
28 July 2006
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3746922a11,00.html
Significant genetic damage to the DNA of Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent
Orange has been found in a study by Massey molecular scientists.
Analysis of blood samples from 25 New Zealand veterans exposed to the toxic
defoliant showed that the group had suffered genetic damage.
Report author Al Rowland acknowledged the sample was statistically small, but
said it was significant in that it showed up the damage caused to DNA.
A more extensive study was now needed, he said.
Masters student Louise Edwards, who worked under the supervision of 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 indicated genetic damage.
The chromosomal reproduction of the 25 veterans was compared with a control
group of former servicemen who did not serve in Vietnam.
Dr Rowland said 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.
"We don't know what causes the results that we see but all we know is that this
group went to Vietnam and something happened," he said.
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 and Malden Islands.
It also showed a significant level of genetic damage.
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 on 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 agreed the study was a small one and hoped the Government would now
support a wider study involving more veterans and their progeny.
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 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."