United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Public Health

Gulf War Exposures

 

Gulf War I (August 2, 1990 – March 3, 1991), includes Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield

Gulf War I Veterans may have been exposed to a variety of environmental and chemical hazards that carried potential health risks. VA offers eligible Veterans a free Gulf War Registry health exam for possible long-term health problems related to Gulf War service.

 

Medic administers vaccineVaccinations
Including anthrax and botulinum toxoid

White pills on handPyridostigmine Bromide (PB)
Round, white tablet used as pre-treatment drug to protect against nerve agent soman

Oil well fire during the Gulf WarOil Well Fires, Smoke and Petroleum
Oil or gas wells that caught on fire and burned

Spraying pesticidesPesticides
Substances used to repel or destroy pests such as insects and pathogens

Soldier wearing gas maskChemical & Biological Weapons (Khamisiyah, Iraq)
Ammunitions storage depot containing warfare agents demolished by U.S. soldiers

Dust surrounding a group of paratroopers Sand, Dust and Particulates
Tiny airborne matter that can cause respiratory and other health problems

Side of tank in IraqDepleted Uranium
Uranium used in military tank armor and some bullets

Pits left from roadside bombToxic Embedded Fragments
Shrapnel and other metals that remain in the body after injury

Servicemen are covering their ears to shield them from the noise of a blastNoise
Harmful sounds from guns, equipment, and machinery that is often experienced during military service

Marines in desertInfectious Diseases
Nine infectious diseases associated with Southwest Asia and Afghanistan military service

Side view of tankCARC Paint
Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) used on military vehicles to resist corrosion and chemical agents

Silhouette of a soldier on a truck in front of the bright sunHeat Injuries
Possible health problems from extremely hot temperatures

Man wearing workplace safety gearOccupational Hazards
Exposures from working with chemicals, paints, and machinery during service

 


Looking for Iraq War exposures?


Connect with Us
Veterans Health

Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Subscribe to Us on YouTube
 

Contact VA

Environmental Health
Coordinators Directory

  • Health Care
    1-877-222-8387
  • Benefits
    1-800-827-1000
  • TDD (hearing impaired)
    1-800-829-4833