Agent Orange

NTHU Cracks the Dioxin Pollution Challenge

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 26, 2023

National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan has achieved a milestone in addressing persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including the "Century Toxins"—dioxins, PCBs, and pesticides (DDT).

Key Points: 
  • National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan has achieved a milestone in addressing persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including the "Century Toxins"—dioxins, PCBs, and pesticides (DDT).
  • These highly toxic and hard-to-degrade pollutants have posed a major threat to ecosystems and human health.
  • The team simulated atmospheric ozone-ultraviolet light reactions to transform dioxins into harmless oxalic acid at room temperature.
  • Led by Professor Kuo Chu Hwang from the Department of Chemistry at NTHU, the research team was assisted by the expertise of Ph.D. student Ayyakkannu Ragupathi and postdoctoral researcher Vaibhav Pramod Charpe.

AARP Poll Finds Veterans Unaware of New Health Benefits, Leaving Pennsylvania's Heroes Susceptible to Fraud

Retrieved on: 
Monday, July 31, 2023

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania's 738,577 U.S. veterans and active-duty service members face the threat of falling victim to scammers seeking to exploit them. Nearly two-thirds of veterans are unaware that they can receive free assistance with Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act– or PACT Act – benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to a new AARP survey.  The new law expands access to VA health care benefits for more than five million veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Survivors of deceased veterans are also eligible to receive these benefits.

Key Points: 
  • The new law expands access to VA health care benefits for more than five million veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
  • According to a 2021 AARP survey , veteran/military adults are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population.
  • To learn about the latest scams and how to avoid them visit the AARP Veterans Fraud Center, at aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter .
  • For these resources and more information on AARP's support for veterans and military families, visit aarp.org/veterans .

AARP Poll Finds Veterans Unaware of New Health Benefits, Leaving Our Nation's Heroes Susceptible to Fraud

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 27, 2023

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly two-thirds of veterans are unaware that they can receive free assistance with Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act – or PACT Act – benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), according to a new AARP survey. The new law expands access to VA health care benefits for more than five million veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Survivors of deceased veterans are also eligible to receive these benefits.

Key Points: 
  • The new law expands access to VA health care benefits for more than five million veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
  • According to a 2021 AARP survey , veterans/military adults are 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population.
  • To learn about the latest scams and how to avoid them visit the AARP Veterans Fraud Center, at aarp.org/vetsfraudcenter .
  • For these resources and more information on AARP's support for veterans and military families, visit aarp.org/veterans .

Ventus Ramps Up Field Trials of its TR2 Respirator Following CE Certification

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Toronto, Ontario, May 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ventus Respiratory Technologies , creator of the next generation of particulate respiratory protection for military, police, and first responders, is announcing that it has kicked off multiple international field trials for its TR2 respirator, following the CE certification of the product in February.

Key Points: 
  • Toronto, Ontario, May 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ventus Respiratory Technologies , creator of the next generation of particulate respiratory protection for military, police, and first responders, is announcing that it has kicked off multiple international field trials for its TR2 respirator, following the CE certification of the product in February.
  • Trials and evaluations are underway with elite forces in Germany, Italy, France, the UK, Hungary, and the Netherlands.
  • Initial feedback from end users has been positive, particularly regarding the TR2’s design and form factor, which is lightweight, low-burden, and interoperable with existing communications and protective equipment.
  • Data-driven results from the multiple field trials currently taking place are expected at the end of June.

GROUP OF COMPANIES REACHES HISTORIC AGREEMENT WITH UNITED STATES TO HELP RESOLVE LONGSTANDING PASSAIC RIVER SUPERFUND CASE

Retrieved on: 
Saturday, December 17, 2022

NEWARK, N.J., Dec. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of more than 80 private and publicly-traded companies, most of whom are members of the so-called "Small Parties Group (SPG)," has reached a landmark agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help fund cleanup of the Lower Passaic River in northern New Jersey, which is part of one of the largest and most contaminated Superfund sites in the country.

Key Points: 
  • The SPG is comprised of parties that the U.S. alleges are minor contributors of contaminants to the Lower Passaic River.
  • For decades, Occidental's corporate predecessors Diamond Alkali and Diamond Shamrock treated the Passaic River as their own personal sewer.
  • EPA has attributed virtually all of the 2,3,7,8-TCDD present in Lower Passaic River sediments to Diamond's former operations at the Lister Avenue facility.
  • This painstaking process was designed to characterize the nature and extent of Passaic River contamination, allocate responsibility, and devise a path toward remediation.

Video: How Veterans' Needs Are Changing Healthcare Today

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 8, 2022

MIAMI, Nov. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Each day, US veterans from the Greatest Generation, those who battled in WWII, become a smaller subset of the living veteran population. Service members who fought in the Korean War and Vietnam War are now the largest veteran group requiring care as they near the end of life—and their needs vary significantly from the generation before. In a new video produced by VITAS® Healthcare, veteran clinicians and healthcare professionals describe the changing needs and how care must adapt to meet these needs.

Key Points: 
  • In a new video produced by VITAS Healthcare, veteran clinicians and healthcare professionals describe the changing needs and how care must adapt to meet these needs.
  • There are 5.6M Vietnam War veterans living today, many are nearing the end of life and with highly individualized needs.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs currently projects that there are 5.6 million Vietnam War veterans living today.
  • Many of these veterans are nearing the end of life and with highly individualized needs.

Paralyzed Veterans of America commends Congress for passing the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021, Awaits President Biden's Signature

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 3, 2022

"Paralyzed Veterans of America commends Congress for finally doing the right thing and advancing this groundbreaking legislation that makes veteran care a priority.Our service members are consistently exposed to dangerous environments with exposure to harmful contaminants and toxins.

Key Points: 
  • "Paralyzed Veterans of America commends Congress for finally doing the right thing and advancing this groundbreaking legislation that makes veteran care a priority.Our service members are consistently exposed to dangerous environments with exposure to harmful contaminants and toxins.
  • They will also no longer have to wait for the vital studies, research, and science they so desperately need today."
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or diseases.
  • With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Legion to Senate: Stay until PACT Act is passed

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 28, 2022

"The American Legion has fought for decades to bring health-care relief, accountability and VA disability benefits for veterans and families harmed by deadly contamination while in military service," American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said.

Key Points: 
  • "The American Legion has fought for decades to bring health-care relief, accountability and VA disability benefits for veterans and families harmed by deadly contamination while in military service," American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said.
  • "The fight for passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act the most comprehensive relief package for exposed veterans in history is not over.
  • No matter what it takes, the Senate, must get back to work now and pass the PACT Act.
  • We call on the Senate to stay in Washington until the PACT Act is on its way to the president's desk.

The American Legion Hails Senate, 117th Congress for 'Historic Bipartisan Achievement' on PACT Act

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 16, 2022

"Today, the U.S. Senate has saved lives and truly delivered for veterans," American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said.

Key Points: 
  • "Today, the U.S. Senate has saved lives and truly delivered for veterans," American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said.
  • "By passing the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act, the 117th Congress has put substance behind the phrase, 'Thank you for your service.'
  • The American Legion is grateful for the service of millions of veterans who were exposed to burn pits, atomic radiation, Agent Orange and other environmental poisons.
  • Thanks to the U.S. Congress, these men and women will be able to receive the care and benefits they have earned.

American Legion calls PACT Act agreement 'historically impactful' for generations of vets

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

The House of Representatives deserves great credit for passing this legislation, and I am confident that with the continued support of The American Legion, the Senate will now follow suit.

Key Points: 
  • The House of Representatives deserves great credit for passing this legislation, and I am confident that with the continued support of The American Legion, the Senate will now follow suit.
  • I am asking all Americans to tell their senators to vote for the Honoring Our PACT Act."
  • The American Legion is dedicated to the motto of "Veterans Strengthening America."
  • Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to advocating for veterans, promoting a strong national security, sponsoring wholesome youth programs and Americanism.