DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

1
7
.
e

P

u

b

l

i

c

Health Service

National Institutes of Health
National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences
P. O. Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
VVebsite: httpliwww.niehs.olh.gov
March 1, 2013
Wesley T. Carter, Major, USAF, Retired
2349 Nut 'Free Lane
McMinnville, Oregon 97128
Dear Major Carter,
Thank you for the recent email on February 24 regarding continued discussions about plausible exposures and health
effects associated with your work on military equipment contaminated with residues of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo
dioxin
(TCDD or dioxin). I n addition to your email, I have reviewed the correspondence pertaining to this matter
P
provided by Dr. Tom Sinks in his letter dated January 25, 2012 along with other information concerning your
-inquiries'. I n his correspondence, Dr. Sinks describes a review o f the analytical data obtained from wipe samples
collected on November 20, 1994. W i t h limitations outlined by Dr. Sinks, the data indicate surface concentrations on
contaminated equipment averaging, 6.34ng TCDD/100ertr. D r. Sinks points out that this level of contamination
greatly exceeds concentrations generally considered hazardous by the Department of Defense. W e understand that
there have been possible exposures experienced by individuals working in contact with, or in close proximity to,
these surfaces and we agree with Dr. Sinks January 25, 2012 hazard summary for exposure to this residual TCDD
contamination.
Regarding the association between dermal exposure and effects that seems to have been a matter of some dispute, it is
my opinion that the scientific evidence is clear. Dermal exposures, including exposures to contaminated equipment
or secondary exposures through contaminated clothing,, tools, vehicles, etc. could result in absorption that would be
problematic. Studies conducted in both humans' and animals clearly demonstrate the ability of TCDD to be absorbed
through the skin. Exposure to TC:DD has been associated with a number of both local and systemic effects, including
cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, among others.
Sincerely,

AJL,

Aubrey K. M
Captain,
. J r . USPI IS
Senior
Officer
M
D Medical
,
National
Institute
for Environmental
M
P
Health Sciences
H
Steil nian, .IM, Stellman, SD. Christian RC. Weber. TW and Tomasallo, C. The extent and pattems of usage of Agent Orange and other herbicides in
Vietnam. Nature,422, 681-687, 2003.
--Weisman. WH and Porter, RC. Consultative Letter AL/OE-CL-1994-0203, Review of Dioxin Sampling Results from C-123 Aircraft. Wright-Patterson
AFB. Oil and Recommendations for Protection of Aircraft Restoration Personnel. USAF, Armstrong Laboratory, Brooks APB, TX. 19 December 1994.
--U.S. Army Center For Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine. Technical Guide 312 Health Risk Assessment Methods arid Screening Levels for -Evaluating Office Worker Exposures to Contaminants on Indoor Surfaces Using Surface Wipe Data. June 2009
)://phc .ainedd.armv .ni ft/topics/el trohealth/hrasin/Paaestf, H RAP TecliGuidc.aspx)
--Comments to the Institute of Medicine. January 16, 2013. Wesley T. Carter. C-121 Veterans Association.
--Imp://www.publ icli eaIth.va.ao v/exposures/agentorangeres id ue-c123-a ircratt ttn?
.
Kogevinas, M. Saracci, K. Winkelmann, R. et al. (1993) Cancer incidence and mortality in women occupationally exposed to chlorophenoxy herbicides.
chlorophenols, and dioxins. Cancer Causes Control Nov: 4(6):547-51.
'Brewster, OW, Banks, YB, Clark, AM, Birnbaum. I,S. Comparative demial absorption of dioxin and three polychlorinated dibenzolurans, TOXiC0 Appl
Pharmacol. (1989) 97W:156-166.