Researchers Near Gulf Disease Cause

Anti-nerve gas pills combined with anti-insect compounds may be the cause of a mysterious cluster of ailments known as Gulf War syndrome, researchers said.

Duke University Medical Center researchers tested nerve gas pills, insect repellents and insecticides given to U.S. troops during the Gulf War and discovered nervous system damage in laboratory animals.

The team’s lead scientist warned that no undisputed link has been established between the chemicals and insecticides and the ailments reported by about 37,000 veterans of the war. But that’s where the preliminary findings point, said Mohamed Abou-Donia, deputy director of Duke’s toxicology program.