YOU reported (LET, June 3) that I suffer from Gulf War Syndrome. I do not. It might be helpful if I explain a little about this malady.

On return from the Gulf War, gradually, over a period of months I became ill with severe stomach problems. After about 18 months of medication the illness cleared up. A cause could not be found.

As a specialist consultant in chemical and biological warfare defence and having taken part in the deed, I understand more than most about what the press describes as "Gulf War Syndrome."

Throughout the Gulf War period servicemen (and civilians) were exposed to a variety of toxic environments for indefinite periods.

These included inoculations against anthrax and other biological agents, tablets to mitigate the effects of nerve gas, highly toxic organo-phosphate insect sprays, highly radioactive dust from explosions of depleted uranium artillery shells, fall-out from bombing raids against Iraqi chemical weapon dumps, and fall-out and toxic gases from oil fires.

Not everybody was exposed to all the hazards, but many were exposed to one or a combination of the hazards. There is now evidence that interaction between hazards increased the problem. Mathematically there are some 720 potentially toxic combinations in the above list of hazards which might produce symptoms immediately or later and of differing severity.

Not surprisingly, casualties will present varying symptoms. That is why it is impossible to define the syndrome.

The government has conveniently hidden behind this point of identification knowing full well that the cause cannot be put down to a single bacteria, virus or health challenge.

Since the Gulf War I have studied the implications of the hazards we were exposed to and there is no doubt in my mind that Gulf War Syndrome is very real and has already claimed a number of facilities. Seventy thousand people in the USA and two thousand over here cannot all be wrong!

The US government has recognised the syndrome. Regular screening is offered to veterans.

The British government approach, on the other hand, has been to disband all but one of its military hospitals, placing the burden of treating veterans on an already overstretched NHS.

I urge all veterans of the Gulf War and those with any sway to press the government to get off the fence and stop hiding behind point of diagnosis.

PHILIP CONGDON, Hindle Fold Lane, Great Harwood.

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