CAT TASKING FORM 16118 KUWAIT OIL FIRE HEALTH THREAT 2 MAY 91

File: 980409_sep96_decls22_0006.txt
Page: 0006
Total Pages: 6
Subject = CAT TASKING FORM 16118  KUWAIT OIL FIRE HEALTH THREAT  2 MAY 91 

Box ID = BX003207

Folder Title = CAT TASKING                                                                                     

Unit = OTSG        

Parent Org = HSC         




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               (2) medical follow-up or compensation now or in the future.
               it is essential that DoD move ahead to collect exposure data
               and identify DoD personnel or units who are presently serving,
               who have served, or will serve in areas impacted by the oil fire
               smoke. Data collection efforts now will help answer any future
               questions about possible adverse health effects of Desert Storm
               service. Timely data are also essential to communicate true
               risks to our personnel and their families. Since the U.S. Army
               Corps of Engineers has a substantial role in the reconstruction
               of Kuwait, these data are necessary to program any necessary
               health precautions to protect Corps military and civilian
               personnel who may have extended exposure times.
                   We understand that the U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene
               Agency (USAERA) is prepared to dispatch an environmental health
               monitoring and health risk assessment team to the theater. With
               CENTCOM concurrence and in theater supportf we request that you
               ask the Army to deploy the USAERA team within two weeks.
                   The USAERA Team should report through the Army Surgeon
               General to the Tri-Service working group on a weekly basis. The
               scope and protocol of the environmental health monitoring should
               be coordinated with the Tri-Service working group, CENTCOM and
               the EPA.
                   Congressional, scientific and public interest in this issue
               is growing. We view the above actions necessary to help protect
               the health of our personnel and to limit any future liabilities
               and controversies.

                   Thank you for your assistance. Please contact George
               Siebert on (703) 695-0110 if any questions should arise.




                                            Thomas E. Baca
                                 Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
                                            (Environment)

               Attachments (3)

               cc: (w/o attachments)
               ASD (Force Management and Personnel)
               ASD (Health Affairs)
               ASA (MR&A)
               ASA (IL&E)
               ASN (M&RA)
               ASN (I&E)
               ASA.W (MRAI&E)
               ODASD(NESAA) (CAPT Bolton)
               OCJCS/CSG (CAPT Brodsky)






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