Grants Will Target Gulf War Syndrome

The Pentagon announced a $5 million grant program Tuesday to promote research into ailments afflicting veterans of the Persian Gulf War.

The money would be awarded to universities, hospitals and research institutions to examine three issues:

Epidemiological studies of health problems afflicting Gulf War veterans.

Health effects of pyridostigmine bromide used alone and in combination with other chemicals. This is an anti-nerve gas agent that some have linked to mystery ailments afflicting some veterans.

Clinical research examining specific cases and exploring modes of transmission and causes of gulf war-related illnesses.