Alison Bleaney
The article below is a sobering reminder that we do not fully understand the effects of chemicals that are being freely used in the environment around us …
AGENT Orange is made up mostly of 2,4-D and dioxins. The article states that those who served in Vietnam and were exposed to phenoxyherbicides, had an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and chronic lung diseases.
These were fit young people when they were exposed to these chemicals. This article does not detail the damage done to the people who still live there; the birth defects, the high cancer rates etc etc or these problems seen in the next generation of returned veterans.
The question needs to be asked:
In what way is the aerial application of many of these pesticides, often in mixtures, along with the release of dioxins from high intensity burn offs factored into the risk assessments made for our catchments?
2,4-D was found in the random quarterly river water samplefor the Rubicon in July 2006 at 6 times the guideline value.
Why does Tasmania have such a high rate of diabetes and heart disease?
The article:
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Vietnam veterans who sprayed the herbicides like Agent Orange decades ago in Vietnam are at an increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic breathing problems, a new study shows.
Dr Alison Bleaney is an East coast GP.
