Emily Chan
“Our research clearly shows cell structures within the human body are sensitive and vulnerable to these agents, causing faulty cell function,” Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik, a study author and a professor at Griffith University’s National Center for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, said.
More than 1,800 Australians served in the Gulf War, particularly in the Navy and with smaller Army and Air Force contributions.
Many of them were exposed to various toxic agents, such as insecticides, nerve agents, and depleted uranium.
A Gulf War veteran and advocate of Gulf War syndrome in Australia named Ian Allwood was grateful that the symptoms of so many veterans have been taken seriously. He also referred to the new research as “life-changing for the Gulf War Vets.”
“For those in the Veteran community that have been suffering, this is the first step in identifying a causal factor. This is groundbreaking research that will hopefully open pathways to treatment for the often debilitating symptoms,” Allwood said.
