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Project 112/Project SHAD

A U.S. Warship  Aircraft Carrier

Project 112/Project SHAD, or Shipboard Hazard and Defense, was a series of tests conducted by the Department of Defense from 1962 to 1973. Servicemembers participated in conducting the tests. The purpose was to determine the potential risks to U.S. warships and American forces from chemical and biological warfare agents.

To date, there is no clear evidence of specific, long-term health problems associated with participation in Project SHAD. The Health and Medicine Division (formally known as the Institute of Medicine) of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine conducted a study sponsored by VA and presented findings in the 2007 report Long-Term Health Effects of Participation in Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense).  The same conclusions were found in a 2016 Report.  Read the 2016 follow up report, Assessing Health Outcomes Among Veterans of Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense).

About the Tests

Learn about Project 112/SHAD tests of warfare agents.

VA Benefits

View benefits for Veterans of Project 112/SHAD and their survivors.

Publications & Reports

View publications and other materials related to Project 112/SHAD.

Provider Resources

VA has resources to help providers care for Veterans.

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