Possible Cause of Gulf War Syndrome Seen
Anti-nerve-gas pills combined with insect-fighting compounds may be the cause of so-called Gulf War syndrome, researchers say.
Duke University Medical Center researchers tested nerve gas pills, insect repellents and insecticides given to U.S. troops during the Persian Gulf War and discovered nervous system damage in chickens in the laboratory, the Herald-Sun of Durham reported Sunday.
The team’s lead scientist warned that no undisputed link has been established between the chemicals and the ailments reported by about 37,000 veterans of the war. But that’s where the preliminary findings point, said Mohamed Abou-Donia.
Last month, the Pentagon said no single cause had been found for the symptoms, which include fatigue, headache and sleep disturbance.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
