![](media/image1.png){width="0.3770833333333333in"
height="0.2847222222222222in"} **Department of Veterans Affairs**

***Project 112 and Project SHAD***

**This fact sheet contains information**

**about certain chemical and biological warfare testing**

**conducted by the Department of Defense.**

# What Was Project 112 and Project SHAD?

-   The Department of Defense (DoD) conducted a series of operational
    tests from 1962 to 1973 in support of Project 112. Project 112 was
    DoD's comprehensive program of chemical and biological warfare
    vulnerability tests which were conducted to determine how to protect
    U.S. troops against these health threats.

-   Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense) was part of Project 112.
    These tests were primarily *shipboard* tests. SHAD tests were
    conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of shipboard detection of
    chemical and biological agents, the effectiveness of protective
    measures, and risks to U.S. forces. For the land-based tests, the
    purpose was generally to learn more about how chemical or biological
    warfare agents behave under a variety of environmental conditions.

-   Biological and chemical warfare agents, simulants, tracers, and
    decontaminates were used.

# How Are Project 112/SHAD Veterans Identified? 

-   DoD reports that about 6,000 veterans participated in these tests.
    Most veterans only participated in the shipboard tests (SHAD).

-   DoD has collected, reviewed, and declassified many records. As
    medically relevant information was declassified, DoD provided VA
    with the test name, date, and location (for SHAD, the name of the
    ship). DoD also identified service members who participated in the
    tests, and may have been exposed to substances used.

# Should Test Participants Be Concerned?

-   Protective measures were used when biological or chemical warfare
    agents were tested. Prior research suggests that the other agents,
    tracers, chemical simulants, and decontaminants are unlikely to
    cause long-term health effects without signs of acute toxicity soon
    after exposure. Most veterans were exposed to only one or a few of
    these agents, but some veterans may have been involved in multiple
    tests and repeated exposures.

-   DoD reports that no veteran is known to have become acutely ill from
    exposures during these tests. In a recent VA health care utilization
    review, no diagnosis stands out among Project 112/SHAD veterans.
    Since there is no known illness or diagnosis that stands out among
    Project 112/SHAD veterans, there is no "SHAD test" or examination at
    this time.

# What Is VA Doing About Project 112/SHAD?

-   The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is contacting veterans
    identified by DoD, and urging them to have a clinical evaluation at
    the nearest VA medical center if they have any health concerns.

-   VA offers all Project 112/SHAD veterans a complete "Primary Care New
    Patient History and Physical Examination" even if the veteran has
    previously received health care from VA. Documentation of each
    veteran's health condition may be important should future
    information on Project 112/SHAD indicate a need for concern.

-   Each VA medical facility has a designated representative to provide
    information about Project 112/SHAD.

-   VA contracted with the Institute of Medicine in September 2002 to
    conduct a three-year, three million dollar study of possible health
    effects associated with Project SHAD in order to ensure appropriate
    health care and assistance for veterans.

# Must Test Participants Pay for a Clinical Evaluation?

Due to legislation enacted in late 2003, veterans will be exempt from
co-payments for care or medications required for treatment of any health
problem possibly related to participation in Project 112/SHAD. The
initial clinical evaluation of health conditions possibly due to Project
112 is also free.

# Where Can Veterans Get More Information or Assistance?

# 

# VA - Project 112/SHAD helpline: 1-800-749-8387

> General benefits information: 1-800-827-1000
>
> Internet: [www.va.gov/shad/](http://www.va.gov/shad/)

###### DoD - Hotline: 1-800-497-6261

Internet:

> <http://www.deploymentlink.osd.mil/current_issues/shad/shad_intro.shtml>

Compensation & Pension Service -- December 2004