Veterans: DDT exposure and Birth Defects

[Clarence Martin]

I know it's a long shot, but does anyone know if a Veteran that was exposed to DDT in the 1950's when they served in the Korean War in Korea , and that exposure occurred on a weekly basis; could that exposure be the cause of Spina Bifida in a Child born 13 years after the Father last DDT exposure ?

[Wayne Lomman]

It is my understanding that the issue is with DDT (and related compounds) and PAH levels in the mother crossing the placenta in the first few weeks after birth. I have been trying to come to terms with this for 35 years as I have a daughter with spinal bifida. Most of this time I have blamed myself for failing to take enough care using these chemicals on a regular basis. I am interested in hearing what others have to say. It's hard to get reliable information. Cheers

[David Helm]

You might check with the VA medical system. They may have information. It took them a long time to recognize PTSD but Korea was before we became aware of that.