An ad hoc committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will conduct a study to assess the current research available on possible generational health effects that may be the result of exposures experienced by Veterans of the 1990-1991 Gulf War and the Post 9/11 wars during their deployments. The committee will consider which toxicants, including but not limited to burning oil wells, pesticides, nerve agents, prophylactic agents, depleted uranium, and vaccines, are known to be associated with pathophysiological and reproductive, developmental, and teratogenic effects across the life course in parents, offspring, and second generation offspring.
In addition, the committee will also assess areas requiring further scientific study on the descendants of Veterans with toxic exposures. Finally, the committee will further assess the scope and methodology required to conduct research on such descendants to identify current or possible health effects in the Veterans’ descendants, including but not limited to:

• Cellular pathophysiology studies associated with the long-term generational health effects of the toxicants of concern (among these, the committee should consider studies in laboratory animals and other models);
• Multigenerational effects of the toxicants of concern in various animal species, if such effects have not already been well-established;
• The feasibility of conducting a long-term epidemiologic study to assess the generational health effects of Veterans and the resources (technological, logistical) that would need to be available to support such research;
• Develop a framework for monitoring and studying generational health effects over time, including post-exposure assessments, initial screening of Veterans and their descendants, the frequency and duration of such screenings;
• Based upon a careful assessment of available laboratory technologies, establish a process for what is to be included in the screening including biomarkers and early symptoms;
• The number of Veterans and their descendants who should be part of such a study(ies); and
• The appropriate federal agency(ies), e.g., the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services, or other organization(s) or collaboratives that would be best suited to coordinate and/or conduct the research and screenings on an ongoing basis.