An ad hoc committee will conduct a study to “determine (to the extent that available scientific data permit meaningful determinations)” the following regarding associations between specific health outcomes and exposure to TCDD and other chemicals present in herbicides used by the military in Vietnam:

A. whether a statistical association with herbicide exposure exists, taking into account the strength of the scientific evidence and the appropriateness of the statistical and epidemiological methods used to detect the association;

B. the increased risk of disease among those exposed to herbicides during service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era; and

C. whether there exists a plausible biological mechanism or other evidence of a causal relationship between herbicide exposure and the disease. [P.L. 102-4, §3(d)]

It will also assess the current research available on possible generational health effects that may be the result of exposures to these chemicals—including the biologic plausibility or potential for an exposure to lead to an increased risk of birth defects or other adverse conditions in the descendants of male Veterans—and will address myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) as part of its consideration of the literature concerning leukemias and related diseases. The review of brain cancer will address, in particular, glioblastoma multiforme. The report will offer findings, conclusions, and recommendations as appropriate.