The Department of Defense is “actively considering” a major review of all scientific evidence to see whether exposure to toxic jet fuel and other chemicals caused birth defects in the children of military personnel.
In a statement to the ABC, the DOD confirmed the prospect of a review, which would examine existing scientific literature on the capacity of fuel to cause foetal abnormalities and reproductive problems.
However, it said it would not conduct its own research.
The ABC has spoken to a number of former male and female Defence Force personnel who had frequent and prolonged exposure to jet fuel, often with little or no protective equipment, and have subsequently had children with significant medical problems.
Other female members have suffered significant issues with their reproductive systems.
It is understood a number of current female Defence Force personnel have argued forcefully that some investigation needed to be done into whether exposure to jet fuel could cause foetal abnormalities and problems with the reproductive system.
The ABC reported in April that a study commissioned by Defence into jet fuel exposure found the fuel itself was toxic to the body’s cells, and that the cell damage could be passed on to future generations through a process known as epigenetics.
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