Operation: End ALS

Military personnel may encounter heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and manganese through various sources like ammunition, fuel, and industrial processes. Chronic exposure to these metals has been implicated in neurotoxicity and could potentially contribute to ALS risk.

Exposure to pesticides (eg, organophosphates, chlorinated compounds) and herbicides (eg, Agent Orange, used during the Vietnam War) is common in military settings, particularly in agriculture, base maintenance, and combat zones. Some studies have suggested a possible link between pesticide/herbicide exposure and ALS risk.

Military personnel often encounter solvents (eg, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene) through activities such as cleaning and degreasing equipment. These chemicals have neurotoxic properties and have been studied for their potential role in neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS.

Certain military equipment, especially radar and communication devices, expose personnel to EMFs. While evidence linking EMFs directly to ALS is limited and contentious, some studies have explored the biological plausibility of such a connection.

Military service involves physical and psychological stressors, including traumatic brain injury (TBI) and combat-related stress. While not a direct environmental exposure, these factors may interact with genetic predispositions or other environmental exposures to increase ALS risk.

Some research has investigated the potential role of viral infections in triggering autoimmune responses or neuroinflammation that could contribute to ALS development. Military service may increase exposure to infectious agents due to deployment settings.

Diesel fuel is a primary energy source across all branches of the U.S. military. While essential for operations, its widespread use also poses significant health risks to service members.

Prolonged exposure to toxic components such as formaldehyde and benzene has been linked to long-term neurological damage and is being investigated as a potential environmental trigger for ALS, particularly among veterans.