100,000 Persian Gulf War troops exposed to debilitating gas

Scientists working with the Defense Department have found evidence that a low-level exposure to sarin nerve gas —- the kind experienced by more than 100,000 American troops in the Persian Gulf war of 1991 —- could have caused lasting brain deficits in former service members.

Though the results are preliminary, the study is notable for being financed by the federal government and for being the first to make use of a detailed analysis of sarin exposure performed by the Pentagon, based on wind patterns and plume size.

The report, to be published in the June issue of the journal NeuroToxicology, found apparent changes in the brain’s connective tissue —- its so-called white matter —- in soldiers exposed to the gas. The extent of the brain changes —- less white matter and slightly larger brain cavities —- corresponded to the extent of exposure, the study found.