Joel E Michalek1, Marian Pavuk. 1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA. michalekj@uthscsa.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Air Force Health Study was launched in 1980 as part of a Federal effort to resolve the Agent Orange issue. OBJECTIVES: To study diabetes and cancer with additional adjustment for days of spraying, calendar period of service, and time spent in Southeast Asia (SEA). METHODS: This was a longitudinal study of veterans of Operation Ranch Hand, the unit responsible for spraying Agent Orange and other 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-contaminated herbicides in Vietnam from 1962 to 1971. RESULTS: Associations between TCDD and diabetes and between TCDD and cancer in Ranch Hand veterans are strengthened after adjustment for calendar period of service, days of spraying, and, for cancer, time spent in SEA. CONCLUSIONS: Calendar period of service, days of spraying, and time spent in SEA are important confounders in the Air Force Health Study.
BACKGROUND: The Air Force Health Study was launched in 1980 as part of a Federal effort to resolve the Agent Orange issue. OBJECTIVES: To study diabetes and cancer with additional adjustment for days of spraying, calendar period of service, and time spent in Southeast Asia (SEA). METHODS: This was a longitudinal study of veterans of Operation Ranch Hand, the unit responsible for spraying Agent Orange and other 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-contaminated herbicides in Vietnam from 1962 to 1971. RESULTS: Associations between TCDD and diabetes and between TCDD and cancer in Ranch Hand veterans are strengthened after adjustment for calendar period of service, days of spraying, and, for cancer, time spent in SEA. CONCLUSIONS: Calendar period of service, days of spraying, and time spent in SEA are important confounders in the Air Force Health Study.
Authors: Olivier Humblet; Paige L Williams; Susan A Korrick; Oleg Sergeyev; Claude Emond; Linda S Birnbaum; Jane S Burns; Larisa Altshul; Donald G Patterson; Wayman E Turner; Mary M Lee; Boris Revich; Russ Hauser Journal: Environ Sci Technol Date: 2010-07-15 Impact factor: 9.028
Authors: James J Collins; Kenneth Bodner; Lesa L Aylward; Michael Wilken; Catherine M Bodnar Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2009-06-26 Impact factor: 4.897
Authors: Jane S Burns; Paige L Williams; Oleg Sergeyev; Susan Korrick; Mary M Lee; Boris Revich; Larisa Altshul; Donald G Patterson; Wayman E Turner; Larry L Needham; Igor Saharov; Russ Hauser Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2009-05-14 Impact factor: 9.031