Iraq Vets Struggle With Their Own "Agent Orange"
Oregon Veteran's recently testified before the Oregon Legislature to urge passage of a bill that would allow a one time payment of $20,000.00 to Iraq vets exposed to the toxic chemical hexavalent chromium. The troops were guarding contractors working on a water treatment plant when they were exposed to the chemical. One soldier is dead from complications from leukemia, and several others suffer respiratory problems, immune disorders, and chronic coughs. The company, KBR, was a subsidiary of Halliburton, and its own employess, along with other Guard members, have sued the war contractor, claiming it disregarded obvious warning signs that the chemical was dangerous.
There are studies that show it only takes 40 micrograms of hexavalent chromium per cubic meter, which equal to a grain of salt cubic yard, to significantly increase the risk of lung cancer, leukemia, stomach, brain, renal, bladder and bone cancers.
Other Helpful Links:
Gulf Vet Study: One in Four Vets Exposed to Toxics
