To contact us Click HERE
http://www.birthdefects.org/
We are hoping to gain public support for the work we are doing on birth defects in the children of Vietnam, Gulf War veterans and those who have been exposed to similar exposures in the civilian environment.
We know that veterans’ families whose children have been affected are struggling financially and we aren’t asking them to give. But, they can help us get their story to the public. We have a fundraiser at
http://www.indiegogo.com/bdrc. The more activity there is on a fundraising page, the more likely it is to be featured on the front page where millions can see it. Just making comments, visiting the page frequently to look at updates and generally showing that this is a charitable cause that people are interested in will help us compete for a front page feature.
If you could share this with your list and just ask them to visit the site and make a comment, it would be a huge help.
With best regards,
Betty Mekdeci
Executive Director
Birth Defect Research for Children
27 Eylül 2012 Perşembe
California - Proposition 37 - Monsanto, Dow - Agent Orange
To contact us Click HERE
No on 37: The same corporations that brought us DDT and Agent Orange
http://www.carighttoknow.org/tags/agent_orangehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The No on 37 campaign: brought to you by the same corporations that told us DDT and Agent Orange were safe, orchestrated by the same guys who helped mislead the public about the health risks of tobacco. Now they're telling us we don't have a right to know if our food is genetically engineered.
Monsanto, the largest contributor to No on 37 at $4.2 million, was the primary manufacturer of Agent Orange, the code name for herbicides used by the U.S. Military during the Vietnam War. U.S. soldiers were told that it was “perfectly safe” and often wore little protective clothing when applying it, as shown in our ad. Agent Orange is now linked with various types of cancer and other diseases.
READ MORE: http://www.carighttoknow.org/agent_orange
http://www.carighttoknow.org/tags/agent_orangehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
The No on 37 campaign: brought to you by the same corporations that told us DDT and Agent Orange were safe, orchestrated by the same guys who helped mislead the public about the health risks of tobacco. Now they're telling us we don't have a right to know if our food is genetically engineered.
Monsanto, the largest contributor to No on 37 at $4.2 million, was the primary manufacturer of Agent Orange, the code name for herbicides used by the U.S. Military during the Vietnam War. U.S. soldiers were told that it was “perfectly safe” and often wore little protective clothing when applying it, as shown in our ad. Agent Orange is now linked with various types of cancer and other diseases.
READ MORE: http://www.carighttoknow.org/agent_orange
Consumer Group Wants USDA To Reject “Agent Orange” Soy
To contact us Click HERE
Food Poisoning Bulletin
http://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2012/consumer-group-wants-usda-to-reject-agent-orange-soy/
The Center For Food Safety (CFFS) wants the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reject Dow Chemical’s request that a genetically modified soybean that is resistant to a major component in Agent Orange be approved for use. The group is circulating a petition to show the agency that consumers resist the move.
Agent Orange is the chemical defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Health concerns about exposure to it are still being explored but include increased risk of soem types of cancer and birth defects in offspring of those exposed. Dow’s genetically engineered soybean is resistant to 2,4-D , a component of Agent Orange.
CFFS is concerned that approval of the soybean will lead to a greenlighting of approval for similarly engineered crops, harm wildlife and expose millions of Americans to a toxic chemical. According ot the petition, “Dow plans to sell this GE 2-4,D soy “stacked” with resistance to glyphosate—the active ingredient in Roundup—and glufosinate herbicides, yet neither Dow nor USDA has analyzed the potential synergistic or cumulative impacts that these planned combinations pose. Glufosinate has both reproductive and neurological toxicity to mammals, and on this basis is slated to be banned in the EU by 2017. ”
CFFS is a non-profit organization that challenges food production technologies and practices it considers harmful and promotes sustainable alternatives. It is based in Washington, D.C..
http://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2012/consumer-group-wants-usda-to-reject-agent-orange-soy/
The Center For Food Safety (CFFS) wants the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reject Dow Chemical’s request that a genetically modified soybean that is resistant to a major component in Agent Orange be approved for use. The group is circulating a petition to show the agency that consumers resist the move.
Agent Orange is the chemical defoliant used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. Health concerns about exposure to it are still being explored but include increased risk of soem types of cancer and birth defects in offspring of those exposed. Dow’s genetically engineered soybean is resistant to 2,4-D , a component of Agent Orange.
CFFS is concerned that approval of the soybean will lead to a greenlighting of approval for similarly engineered crops, harm wildlife and expose millions of Americans to a toxic chemical. According ot the petition, “Dow plans to sell this GE 2-4,D soy “stacked” with resistance to glyphosate—the active ingredient in Roundup—and glufosinate herbicides, yet neither Dow nor USDA has analyzed the potential synergistic or cumulative impacts that these planned combinations pose. Glufosinate has both reproductive and neurological toxicity to mammals, and on this basis is slated to be banned in the EU by 2017. ”
CFFS is a non-profit organization that challenges food production technologies and practices it considers harmful and promotes sustainable alternatives. It is based in Washington, D.C..
US dioxin cleanup politically driven
To contact us Click HERE
http://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/732008/US-dioxin-cleanup-politically-driven.aspxhttp://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/732008/US-dioxin-cleanup-politically-driven.aspx
By Wayne Dwernychuk
The author is an environmental scientist in British Columbia, Canada.
For over three decades, the US has claimed that no proof exists that the use of Agent Orange by their military during the Vietnam War is the cause of significant health complications in Vietnamese citizens who may have been exposed to the herbicide.
Vietnamese scientists, shortly after the cessation of hostilities between the two countries in 1975, described an increase in human birth defects and other health-related issues in areas sprayed with Agent Orange. The Vietnamese were convinced that Agent Orange was the prime stimulus for observed abnormalities in human birth and immunological disruptions causing deterioration in human health.
The US refused to accept data generated by Vietnamese scientists on the basis that their research did not meet Western standards of rigor. As a consequence, a stalemate has existed for these many years between the two countries, and has been a continuing barrier to completely normalize diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam.
The Global Times published an article, "Agent Orange cleanup overdue, and not enough for real justice," on August 27. The article provides a correct overview of the problem of dioxin contamination, and the long-term activities and costs associhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifated http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifwith cleanup objectives.
My question, however, is this: If the US maintains and advances the mantra of that there is no proof that Agent Orange or dioxin has caused any human health issues in Vietnam, why then is the US offering financial assistance to Vietnam to support cleanup efforts at Da Nang International Airport, which will undoubtedly lead to additional funding for cleanup at other former US military bases in Vietnam labeled as dioxin hot spots?
READ MORE: http://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/732008/US-dioxin-cleanup-politically-driven.aspx
http://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/732008/US-dioxin-cleanup-politically-driven.aspxhttp://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/732008/US-dioxin-cleanup-politically-driven.aspxBy Wayne Dwernychuk
The author is an environmental scientist in British Columbia, Canada.
For over three decades, the US has claimed that no proof exists that the use of Agent Orange by their military during the Vietnam War is the cause of significant health complications in Vietnamese citizens who may have been exposed to the herbicide.
Vietnamese scientists, shortly after the cessation of hostilities between the two countries in 1975, described an increase in human birth defects and other health-related issues in areas sprayed with Agent Orange. The Vietnamese were convinced that Agent Orange was the prime stimulus for observed abnormalities in human birth and immunological disruptions causing deterioration in human health.
The US refused to accept data generated by Vietnamese scientists on the basis that their research did not meet Western standards of rigor. As a consequence, a stalemate has existed for these many years between the two countries, and has been a continuing barrier to completely normalize diplomatic relations between the US and Vietnam.
The Global Times published an article, "Agent Orange cleanup overdue, and not enough for real justice," on August 27. The article provides a correct overview of the problem of dioxin contamination, and the long-term activities and costs associhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifated http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifwith cleanup objectives.
My question, however, is this: If the US maintains and advances the mantra of that there is no proof that Agent Orange or dioxin has caused any human health issues in Vietnam, why then is the US offering financial assistance to Vietnam to support cleanup efforts at Da Nang International Airport, which will undoubtedly lead to additional funding for cleanup at other former US military bases in Vietnam labeled as dioxin hot spots?
READ MORE: http://www.globaltimes.cn/NEWS/tabid/99/ID/732008/US-dioxin-cleanup-politically-driven.aspx
'Faces of Agent Orange' include Indian River County veterans and their children
To contact us Click HERE
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/sep/19/faces-of-agent-orange-include-indian-river-and/VERO BEACH — During the 10 years of the Vietnam War, almost 20 million gallons of Agent Orange was sprayed on the foliage of the South Vietnam landscape.And now, veterans and their families are left to wonder what the effects of exposure to the chemical means for their children and grandchildren.At a town hall meeting Wednesday night, members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1038 joined with representatives from the Florida State Council and the National Vietnam Veterans of America to address the birth defects, diseases and learning disabilities affecting millions of children and grandchildren of veterans."We really don't know how many veterans and their families are affected," said Martin Zickert, president of the Veterans Council of Indian River County. "There are a lot of cases of prostate cancer and heart disease that we believe could be related, but there's no way to confirm the numbers because of confidentiality issues."Agent Orange is a blend of tactical herbicides the U.S. military sprayed from 1962 to 1971 during Operation Ranch Hand in the Vietnam War to remove trees and dense tropical foliage that provided enemy cover."If you were on the ground in Vietnam, you were exposed," said Zickert. "And it wasn't just used in Vietnam. It was used commonly throughout Southeast Asia and Korea."Nancy Switzer, president of the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America, talked about her family's struggle with the effects of Agent Orange. Her husband served in Vietnam and was sprayed with dioxin, and her children have suffered with various genetic medical issues as a result.READ MORE: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/sep/19/faces-of-agent-orange-include-indian-river-and/
26 Eylül 2012 Çarşamba
VA Claims Brief - Application Process 101 (for beginners)
To contact us Click HERE
Nothing is automatic. Every veteran has to take the step of applying for benefits if you seek medical care or disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The process generally takes over a year...far longer with complicated issues, appeals, etc. In recent years (thank God) the VA and DOD manage a servicemember's separation so as to smoothly transfer medical records and partly automate the initial claim steps.
During the return of forces from the first Gulf War, veterans seeking care from the VA were turned away until a service connection for the disability was proven...it took some time for the logical step of "presumptive service connection" to be implemented and many of us had to pay for private medical care because of the gap in coverage between military medical care and the VA. Bummer!
The VA Claims Process
After VA receives your Application for Compensation, it sends you a letter. The letter explains what VA needs in order to help grant your claim. It states how VA assists in getting records to support your claim. The letter may include forms for you to complete, such as medical releases. They help VA obtain pertinent medical records from your doctor or hospital. You should try to complete and return all forms VA sends within a month. Your claim can often be processed more quickly if you send a copy of your own medical records. This letter is often referred to as the Duty to Assist lette . Read More
Win Your Veterans Affairs Disability Claim - You finally decided to file a VA claim for disability, so now what do you do? Maybe you already have started the paperwork yourself or (far better!!) have been helped by a veterans service officer (VSO) filling out the required VA Forms and are now one of many waiting to hear from the VA about your claims status.
Compensation and Pension Exam Do's and Don'ts
Veterans Claims Self Help Guide
Requesting Your Copy of Your Veteran Affairs Claims Folder (C-File)We can not stress enough how important it is to:
Establishing Service Connection
Nothing is automatic. Every veteran has to take the step of applying for benefits if you seek medical care or disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The process generally takes over a year...far longer with complicated issues, appeals, etc. In recent years (thank God) the VA and DOD manage a servicemember's separation so as to smoothly transfer medical records and partly automate the initial claim steps. During the return of forces from the first Gulf War, veterans seeking care from the VA were turned away until a service connection for the disability was proven...it took some time for the logical step of "presumptive service connection" to be implemented and many of us had to pay for private medical care because of the gap in coverage between military medical care and the VA. Bummer!
The VA Claims Process
After VA receives your Application for Compensation, it sends you a letter. The letter explains what VA needs in order to help grant your claim. It states how VA assists in getting records to support your claim. The letter may include forms for you to complete, such as medical releases. They help VA obtain pertinent medical records from your doctor or hospital. You should try to complete and return all forms VA sends within a month. Your claim can often be processed more quickly if you send a copy of your own medical records. This letter is often referred to as the Duty to Assist lette . Read More
Win Your Veterans Affairs Disability Claim - You finally decided to file a VA claim for disability, so now what do you do? Maybe you already have started the paperwork yourself or (far better!!) have been helped by a veterans service officer (VSO) filling out the required VA Forms and are now one of many waiting to hear from the VA about your claims status.
A Veterans Benefits Raters View
Definitions, Terms, Abbreviations
VA Claims (Multiple Articles)Compensation and Pension Exam Do's and Don'ts
Veterans Claims Self Help Guide
Requesting Your Copy of Your Veteran Affairs Claims Folder (C-File)We can not stress enough how important it is to:
- View your VA claims folder at the Veterans Affairs regional office. Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and request an appointment to view your VA c-file (claims folder).
- Ensure that all the records in your Veterans Affairs C-File are yours.
- Check that everything you have sent to the VA is included in your C-File.
- After viewing your VA claims folder (c-file) and correcting any mistakes you may find. Then request a hard copy of your claims folder (c-file)
Establishing Service Connection
New Agent Orange Exposure Studies Requested
To contact us Click HERE
In addition to the request filed with the US Army's Directorate for Risk Assessment , similar applications have been filed for investigations by the National Industrial Occupational Health Administration (part of the CDC) and an independent scientific agency, the Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA). TERA has been asked to evaluate the USAF report on C-123 contamination and its relevance to aircrew exposure to Agent Orange. Our veterans can only hope that TERA accepts this challenging responsibility!
The Army Directorate for Risk Assessment earlier published the famous TG312, the technical guide to assessment of worker contaminants exposure. TG312 has been cited by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in their letter confirming the likely exposure of aircrews and maintenance personnel assigned to the C-123 to dioxin remaining from the aircraft's Vietnam War missions. Further, TG312 was cited by each of the university-based experts who weighed in to support the veterans' claims of having been exposed to the deadly herbicide. Such experts have further claimed that C-123 aircrews (1970 to 1980) were even more severely exposed than nearly all Vietnam War veterans!
The VA and USAF have disagreed. Faced with the alternative of admitting that they'd sold these dioxin-contaminated aircraft to Walt Disney for movies, and to Thailand and South Vietnam for their militaries, the USAF took a middle-of-the-road approach in their evaluation of the C-123 risks, opining that they could not confirm or deny exposure, but then somehow concluded that aircrew exposure was "unlikely." Of course, having destroyed all the contaminated aircraft in 2010, they've made their limpid position difficult to challenge. All the aircraft were very quietly destroyed on order of the Air Force Material Command and approved by the Air Staff...that is, all were destroyed except for the souvenirs kept by the inspectors themselves (who certified the complete destruction of the airplanes...so destruction complete except for their private, personal and improperly kept souvenirs?)
The VA, faced with the costs of providing medical care for the exposed veterans, quickly prepared their opinion denying veterans' exposure, and did so in the face of toxicology tests completed by the Air Force's Armstrong Labs in which the airplanes were tested as "heavily contaminated" and about which the USAF scientists testified were "a danger to public health." The VA even challenged the industry-standard method by which the Air Force tests were conducted, and concluded the aircraft were not contaminated "enough" to affect veterans' health. This position staggered professional toxicologists - was the VA suggesting a threshold of dioxin exposure, or describing a situation where workers could perform their duties in a dioxin-contaminated aircraft and somehow not be exposed?? Is VA unaware of decisions that NO LEVEL OF DIOXIN is considered "safe" - decisions reached by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) as well as the US Environmental Protection Agency?
Any such "ignorance" seems highly unlikely since these agencies' documents were cited by both the AF and the VA! Any attempt to now claim that the C-123 didn't have enough dioxin to potentially cause harm to aircrews is clearly an equivocation - an attempt to worm their way out of having to care for our veterans' Agent Orange-caused illnesses!
Why can't we get Senator Gillibrand to stand up for us as has Senator Burr?
In addition to the request filed with the US Army's Directorate for Risk Assessment , similar applications have been filed for investigations by the National Industrial Occupational Health Administration (part of the CDC) and an independent scientific agency, the Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA). TERA has been asked to evaluate the USAF report on C-123 contamination and its relevance to aircrew exposure to Agent Orange. Our veterans can only hope that TERA accepts this challenging responsibility!The Army Directorate for Risk Assessment earlier published the famous TG312, the technical guide to assessment of worker contaminants exposure. TG312 has been cited by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry in their letter confirming the likely exposure of aircrews and maintenance personnel assigned to the C-123 to dioxin remaining from the aircraft's Vietnam War missions. Further, TG312 was cited by each of the university-based experts who weighed in to support the veterans' claims of having been exposed to the deadly herbicide. Such experts have further claimed that C-123 aircrews (1970 to 1980) were even more severely exposed than nearly all Vietnam War veterans!
 |
| Davis-Monthan DAF Employees in Required C-123 HAZMAT Protection |
The VA, faced with the costs of providing medical care for the exposed veterans, quickly prepared their opinion denying veterans' exposure, and did so in the face of toxicology tests completed by the Air Force's Armstrong Labs in which the airplanes were tested as "heavily contaminated" and about which the USAF scientists testified were "a danger to public health." The VA even challenged the industry-standard method by which the Air Force tests were conducted, and concluded the aircraft were not contaminated "enough" to affect veterans' health. This position staggered professional toxicologists - was the VA suggesting a threshold of dioxin exposure, or describing a situation where workers could perform their duties in a dioxin-contaminated aircraft and somehow not be exposed?? Is VA unaware of decisions that NO LEVEL OF DIOXIN is considered "safe" - decisions reached by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) as well as the US Environmental Protection Agency?
Any such "ignorance" seems highly unlikely since these agencies' documents were cited by both the AF and the VA! Any attempt to now claim that the C-123 didn't have enough dioxin to potentially cause harm to aircrews is clearly an equivocation - an attempt to worm their way out of having to care for our veterans' Agent Orange-caused illnesses!
Why can't we get Senator Gillibrand to stand up for us as has Senator Burr?
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