WSU to Study Iraq Toxins' Effect
Spokesman-Review
by Bert Caldwell
Research to examine how exposure might damage offspring of soldiers
Washington State University scientists will use a $1.7 million grant to study what multi-generation genetic damage might be done by toxins U.S. troops could encounter in Iraq.
The research using laboratory rats, not humans, will be the first for the military to examine the epigenetic effects of pesticides, herbicides and other compounds, said lead scientist Michael Skinner, director of the university's Center for Reproductive Biology.
Previous studies have looked at the health effects of other substances, notably the Agent Orange used to defoliate jungles in Vietnam, on the soldiers directly exposed, he said, not on their children or grandchildren.
"The science really had not caught up with the trans-generational stuff," said Skinner, one of several WSU pioneers in the field of epigenetic, or multi-generational, inheritance.
Besides herbicides and pesticides – which and in what combinations has not been determined – the study also will look at the effects of explosives residues, he said.
The four-year study will allow researchers to see how any changes in genetic chemistry that develop are passed along through two subsequent generations of rats, he said, noting that only the first two years of research have been funded.
Among the problems that might develop are kidney disease, or changes in the male and female reproductive organs, he said.
If any genetic markers are identified in rats, Skinner said, follow-up research could look at whether they might show up among members of the military as well.
That would be of particular interest to Dave Holmes, interim chief operating officer of the Institute for Systems Medicine, which was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense grant passed through to Skinner.
Holmes' son, Tim Hammond, did two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Marine Corps.
"They sprayed all kinds of stuff on them," Holmes said.
Although the grant money, the first awarded ISM, will fund work in Pullman, he said the organization's supporters hope any subsequent clinical studies will be done in Spokane.
"There's a lot of excitement about making it happen," he said.
"Fighting for Our Veterans-Supporting Our Troops"
Proudly Serving All Branches & All Eras Since 1999
Search Our Site Below
Entire web
No registration required to leave comments
VA Takes a Hard Look at SGLI/VGLI Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reviewed the account administered by Prudential that includes Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) programs to ensure beneficiaries are protected, being treated fairly, and accorded the utmost care and respect. VA is also ensuring that benefits are delivered in a transparent way that clearly outlines all available options.
Since 1965, VA has successfully delivered life insurance benefits to survivors of our Nation’s Servicemembers and Veterans.
“The most important thing we can do is ensure that beneficiaries have options that are clear, competitive, and come at no personal cost during a time of emotional stress,” said Veterans Affairs Chief of Staff John R. Gingrich. “Providing clear and concise options for the beneficiary is a top priority.”
VA will continue to provide a full explanation of terms up-front, increase clarity of options and more actively promote current financial counseling to assist in decision making. These efforts will further enhance the transparency that will continue to ensure confidence in this important program.
The department will provide better clarity of payment options by using new documents that ask the beneficiary to choose one payment option, including a lump sum check, or a lump sum Alliance Account (retained asset account) that allows beneficiaries the option to immediately write a check for the entire payment or any lesser amount. VA will also continue to offer the option for payment in 36 monthly installments.
VA worked with beneficiaries, regulators, and subject matter experts to determine appropriate improvements to provide beneficiaries all benefits due under current life insurance programs to include Alliance Accounts in a secure and timely manner.
“Prudential has agreed to implement these adjustments, and the department will continue to carefully monitor this program to ensure that Servicemembers’ and Veterans’ beneficiaries are well-protected,” said Gingrich.
VA is also taking the following actions:
· All SGLI/VGLI related information, including frequently asked questions, website information and handbooks will be modified to clearly and completely explain all aspects of the Alliance Account and all options available to the beneficiary.
· VA will require Prudential to conduct a follow up contact with beneficiaries whose accounts remains open after six months to confirm the beneficiary understands the terms of the account.
· VA will clearly designate the source of correspondence by removing the SGLI seal from all checks, forms, and correspondence and replacing it to show that it is from Prudential, with the subtitle of “Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance”.
· VA will identify additional opportunities to encourage beneficiaries to use the free financial counseling service.
· VA will, in coordination with the Department of Defense (DoD), improve support to Casualty Assistant Officers and Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Personnel by helping to prepare additional training materials and instruction.
SGLI provides group life insurance for the Uniformed Services, such as Servicemembers on active duty, ready reservists, and members of the National Guard, among others. More information on the SGLI/VGLI program is also available at http://www.insurance.va.gov/sglisite/sgli/sgli.htm.
