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2003/2004 ANNUAL REPORT
18. Expert Committee - Australian Special Air Services Health Concerns
In December 2002 the Hon. Danna Vale, Minister for Veterans' Affairs, established the Expert Panel to identify
and document exposures of concern arising through Special Air Services (SAS) operational skills enhancement and
training and to examine their possible adverse health effects. The Expert Panel was also asked to consider the
need for further research and whether any particular matters should be drawn to the attention of the Repatriation
Medical Authority (RMA).
The Expert Panel held its first meeting in February 2003 in Perth, where the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR)
is based, and a further eight meetings were held in 2003. The Panel presented its report to the Minister for Veterans'
Affairs in December 2003. Members of the Expert Panel also presented the findings to the Australian Special Air
Services Association in Perth in March 2004.
The Panel was asked to give consideration to a number of particular exposures. Exposures to lead may have
occurred as a result of intensive training in indoor firing ranges. SAS veterans were exposed to very high levels
of CS agent on occasions, sometimes without adequate protective equipment. SAS veterans were reported to
have been exposed to asbestos in some of the environments in which they trained. Physical trauma and
prolonged heavy physical activity are a common cause of injury and disability among serving and retired SAS
members and there were reports of diving accidents. Exposure to coloured smoke and masking agents
and blast and overpressure occurred frequently in counter terrorist training. SAS training and service may
be associated with a higher level of stressor exposure but also a higher level of preparedness and skills.
The synergistic effects and the interpersonal relationship, behaviour and lifestyle alterations that
may be associated with the above exposures was difficult to determine because of the lack of relevant or good quality
evidence. SAS veterans were concerned that the various chemicals to which they had been exposed might have produced
genetic alterations which may in turn have had long term consequences to their health and that of their
offspring. Based on the review of the evidence of the genotoxicity of the exposures reported by the SAS and the
likely level of exposure, the Expert Panel considered that it would be highly unlikely that these exposures would
produce adverse health effects.
The review identified a need for baseline health surveillance for service personnel, from the time of entry into
service and at regular intervals. The RMA's existing Statements of Principles covered most of the possible adverse
health effects of the exposures of concern and the RMA has notified investigations for other conditions which were
not already covered. The RMA has also amended relevant Statements of Principles to include references to CS agent
and smokes and is monitoring the literature on stressors and the carcinogenicity of specified smokes. Recommendations
within the remit of the Department of Defence or the Department of Veterans' Affairs are being addressed by those
agencies. The complete list of recommendations is available at Appendix 3.
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This page last updated 20 September 2004.
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