Chemical and Biological Defense: DOD and VA Need to Improve Efforts to Identify and Notify Individuals Potentially Exposed during Chemical and Biological Tests

Tens of thousands of military personnel and civilians were potentially exposed to chemical or biological substances through Department of Defense (DoD) tests since World War II. DoD conducted some of these tests as part of its Project 112 test program, while others were conducted as separate efforts. GAO was asked to do the following: (1) assess DoD's efforts to identify individuals who were potentially exposed during Project 112 tests, (2) evaluate DoD's current effort to identify individuals who were potentially exposed during tests conducted outside of Project 112, and (3) determine the extent to which DoD and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have taken action to notify individuals who might have been exposed during chemical and biological tests. GAO analyzed documents and interviewed officials from DoD, VA, the Department of Labor, and a veterans service organization. GAO suggests that Congress direct DoD to develop guidance to notify potentially exposed civilians. GAO also recommends that DoD and VA take steps to improve their efforts to obtain, share, and use available information to more effectively identify and notify individuals. DoD and VA generally agreed with most of the recommendations. However, DoD did not agree with the recommendation to conduct a cost-benefit analysis regarding additional Project 112 research. As a result, GAO suggests that Congress direct DoD to conduct such an analysis. Report to Congressional Requestors.