We will support you

 

CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston has reaffirmed his commitment to assisting members, former members and their families who may have been affected by F-111 deseal/reseal chemicals.

AIRMSHL Houston met with a group at RAAF Base Amberley on June 27. It was the latest in a series of regular meetings that enable him to communicate directly with personnel and their families, who can also raise issues directly with him.

AIRMSHL Houston told the group the second report of the Mortality and Cancer Incidence Study had been issued and that the final report of the general health and medical study was due for release at the end of the year.

The second report is the fourth volume of the Study into Health Outcomes of Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP). It is a statistical study that compares the mortality and cancer rates in the exposed group of deseal/reseal members to the overall Air Force and Australian populations.

The report shows that there is a moderate statistical increase in cancer rates, particularly melanoma and bowel cancer but a decrease in expected death rates in the affected group.

The findings will be further analysed and will be discussed in the final report of the general health and medical study. In the meantime Air Force is sponsoring further studies into the effects of solvents and chemicals on human cell structures.

AIRMSHL Houston told the group he was aware of the frustration being felt by many members at the time taken to complete the studies.

He explained that this was a very large, comprehensive and technical study that needed to contact many people. Also, a lot of work was needed to ensure it was thorough.

Once the reports and study are completed they will be considered by the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine questions of compensation and ongoing health care for those affected by the deseal/reseal chemicals.

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