The Nation : Agent Orange Tests Slated

A testing program that many Vietnam veterans hope will prove that Agent Orange caused their illnesses was signed into law by Michigan Gov. James J. Blanchard. The law calls for creation of an Agent Orange Information Center, a birth defects registry for children of Vietnam-era veterans, mortality studies of deceased veterans, and blood and tissue testing of up to 3,500 scientifically selected veterans. The comprehensive study is possible in part because of advances that enable scientists to better determine levels of exposure, officials said. Dioxin, contained in Agent Orange, is a suspected carcinogen, but past research hasn’t proven a link between Agent Orange and a number of disabilities suffered by veterans.