BU Study Finds 'Gulf War Syndrome' Is Not Imagined

Seventeen years after the Persian Gulf War, a congressionally mandated report has confirmed "Gulf War Syndrome" is a legitimate illness.

That contradicts the long-held position of the Defense Department.

The report, prepared by researchers at Boston University, concludes about a quarter of the troops who served in that war are affected by a condition that includes fatigue, headaches and muscle pain.

Roberta White directed the research by a panel of independent scientists, medical experts and veterans.
White is chairwoman of the Department of Environmental Health at Boston University.

WBUR's Bob Oakes spoke with White about the findings and began by asking her the report's significance.