Taken together, she argues, the evidence suggests that AChEis do have a role in the chronic illnesses experienced by many veterans.

ECONOMIST: Was Gulf-war syndrome caused by chemical poisoning?

The presence of AChEis causes the neurotransmitter to hang around and fire excessively, and therefore can cause abnormal brain function and uncontrolled muscle action.

ECONOMIST: Was Gulf-war syndrome caused by chemical poisoning?

Dr Golomb says that many studies have found that exposure to AChEis is linked to the kind of chronic symptoms that the sick veterans report.

ECONOMIST: Was Gulf-war syndrome caused by chemical poisoning?