CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE TESTING 

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WHAT IS CHECMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL WARFARE TESTING?

The Department of Defense (DoD) conducted certain chemical and biological warfare testing in 

support of Project 112 and Project Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD). During testing, 

biological and chemical warfare agents, simulants, tracers, and decontaminates were used. 

WHAT WAS PROJECT 112 AND PROJECT SHAD?  

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. A series of operational tests were conducted from 1962 to 1973. 

Project SHAD was part of Project 112. These tests were primarily shipboard tests and 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. 

Additional DoD information about Project 112/SHAD can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-

800-497-6261 or by visiting DoD’s web site. 

HOW ARE PROJECT 112/SHAD VETERANS IDENTIFIED?  

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 Servicemembers who participated in the tests, and may have 

been exposed to substances used. DoD reports that about 6,000 Veterans participated in these 

tests. Most Veterans only participated in the shipboard tests (SHAD). 
Contact us: www.va.gov 1-800-827-1000 

 Compensation Service - September 2012 

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 

tested 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. Therefore, there is no “SHAD test” or examination at this time. 

WHAT IS VA DOING ABOUT PROJECT 112/SHAD?

VA urges all Veterans identified by DoD 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 center has a designated representative to provide information about Project 

112/SHAD. Veterans will be exempt from co-payments for care or medications required for 

treatment of any health problem that VA determines is related to participation in Project 

112/SHAD. The initial clinical evaluation of health conditions that VA determines are related 

due to Project 112 is also free.