Toxic exposures Other substances
Exposures the Record
Cannot Answer Yet
These substances turn up in Board decisions, sometimes in thousands of them, but the Board has ruled on them too few times to show a pattern for any one condition. They get no chart of their own. That is not the same as nothing being there, so here is exactly what the record holds.
Browse every substance Show / hide full index
20 outcome summaries · 14 with no attributed grants · 1 historical record
Looking for asbestos or benzene?Looking for the sulfuric-acid release?
Original sources, individual Board examples, and what the record can, and cannot, establish. Read the researchNot found in this page’s index
Let’s look a little wider.
Try another spelling, check the charted exposures, or tell us which substance is missing.
01 / Outcome summaries
A closer look at the record.
Substances with at least one granted, attributed issue. Each summary keeps the decision counts separate from the issues the Board ruled on.
Data snapshot August 3, 2026
Board record 01
Industrial solvents and degreasers
The cleaning solvents and parts-washer degreasers used in motor pools, maintenance bays and shops.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
A broad label. Expand “Chemicals named alongside it” to see which specific substances also appear in these decisions.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 11
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomaDC 7715 · 2 granted issuesLupus erythematosus, systemic (disseminated)DC 6350Emphysema, pulmonaryDC 6603View 8 more conditions
Sleep Apnea Syndromes (Obstructive, Central, Mixed)DC 6847Kidney, removal of oneDC 7500Nephrolithiasis/Ureterolithiasis/NephrocalcinosisDC 7508Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary systemDC 7528Discoid lupus erythematosusDC 7809Malignant skin neoplasms (other than malignant melanoma)DC 7818Brain, new growths of, malignantDC 8002Paralysis agitansDC 8004Chemicals named alongside it 21
- trichloroethylene879
- benzene775
- perchloroethylene502
- toluene94
- carbon tetrachloride92
- JP-886
- methyl ethyl ketone75
- paint thinner61
- acetone52
- xylene44
- kerosene32
- freon32
- trichloroethane22
- methylene chloride18
- hexane14
- naphtha13
- mineral spirits9
- Stoddard solvent9
- isopropyl alcohol9
- lacquer thinner4
- turpentine1
The number is how many of the decisions counted above also name that chemical. Several have their own card below. This is what is in the record, not a statement that any of them caused anything.
Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 02
Arsenic
A metal found in some pesticides, wood preservatives and industrial processes.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 4
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary systemDC 7528 · 3 granted issuesKidney, removal of oneDC 7500Malignant skin neoplasms (other than malignant melanoma)DC 7818View 1 more condition
Bipolar disorderDC 9432Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 03
Welding fumes
The metal-oxide smoke given off when metal is welded, brazed or torch cut.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 2
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Emphysema, pulmonaryDC 6603 · 4 granted issuesParalysis agitansDC 8004Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 04
Perchloroethylene (PCE)
A dry-cleaning and degreasing solvent, and a groundwater contaminant at some installations.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 4
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Neoplasms, malignant, any specified part of respiratory system exclusive of skin growthsDC 6819Malignant neoplasms of the digestive system, exclusive of skin growthsDC 7343Malignant skin neoplasms (other than malignant melanoma)DC 7818View 1 more condition
Paralysis agitansDC 8004Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 05
Cadmium
A metal used in plating, batteries and some solders. Fumes come off when plated metal is heated or cut.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 3
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary systemDC 7528 · 2 granted issuesEmphysema, pulmonaryDC 6603Kidney, removal of oneDC 7500Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 06
Chlorine gas
Used for water purification and released in industrial and training accidents. A strong respiratory irritant.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 3
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Tinnitus, recurrentDC 6260Emphysema, pulmonaryDC 6603Posttraumatic stress disorderDC 9411Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 07
CARC paint (chemical agent resistant coating)
The paint used on tactical vehicles and aircraft so chemical agents can be washed off. Sanding, grinding or spraying it is what releases the fumes and dust.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 3
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Tuberculosis of eyeDC 6010Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseDC 6604MigraineDC 8100Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 08
Toluene
A solvent in paints, thinners, adhesives and fuels.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 3
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Leukemia (except for chronic myelogenous leukemia)DC 7703Polycythemia veraDC 7704AcneDC 7828Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 09
Nickel
Used in plating and alloys. Dust and fumes come off when it is ground or heated.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 3
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary systemDC 7528Chronic urticariaDC 7825Major depressive disorderDC 9434Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 10
Depleted uranium
Used in armour and armour-piercing rounds. The exposure route is inhaled dust after a vehicle strike or fire.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 2
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary systemDC 7528HypothyroidismDC 7903Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 11
Beryllium
A light metal in aerospace parts, electronics and tooling. Its dust is the hazard.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 2
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
SarcoidosisDC 6846Hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension)DC 7101Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 12
Hydraulic fluid
The pressurized fluid in aircraft flight controls, landing gear and brakes, and in vehicle and shipboard hydraulic systems. Leaks and burst lines put it on skin and in the air; many military hydraulic fluids contain organophosphate compounds.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 1
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
HypothyroidismDC 7903Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 13
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
A fast-drying solvent in paints, adhesives, cleaning products and aircraft maintenance shops. Also called butanone.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 1
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Leukemia (except for chronic myelogenous leukemia)DC 7703Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 14
Hydrazine
The rocket and aircraft fuel used in the F-16 emergency power unit and in missile systems.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 1
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary systemDC 7528Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 15
1,1,1-trichloroethane
A degreasing and cold-cleaning solvent used on metal parts and electronics. Not the same chemical as trichloroethylene (TCE).
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 1
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Asthma, bronchialDC 6602Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 16
Hexavalent chromium
Found in chromate primer paints and in the fumes from welding stainless steel.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 1
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseDC 6604Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 17
Methylene chloride
A paint stripper and degreasing solvent.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 1
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Brain, new growths of, malignantDC 8002Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 18
Kerosene
A fuel for heaters, stoves and lamps, and a base for some jet fuels. Also used as a field cleaning solvent.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 1
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary systemDC 7528Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 19
Isopropyl alcohol
Rubbing alcohol, used as a cleaner and a solvent in shops and medical spaces.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 1
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
MigraineDC 8100Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
Board record 20
Varsol
A brand of mineral-spirits parts-washer solvent used in motor pools and maintenance bays.
Matches wording in this summary or chemicals named alongside it; not proof of a link.
Decisions
Attributed issues
Conditions in granted issues 1
Links open condition guides, not individual Board decisions.
Emphysema, pulmonaryDC 6603Counts only. Not a grant rate or proof of causation.
02 / Searched, with no attributed grants
Searched, and the record came back empty
These substances turn up in Board decisions too, and we ran every one of them through the same test as the substances above. The Board has not granted a single claim tied to any of them, so none gets a card. That is not a verdict on the chemical. It is a statement about what the published record holds today, and it can change.
Same data snapshot August 3, 2026
-
TNT (trinitrotoluene)
The explosive. Exposure comes from handling it and from munitions-plant work.
176decisions mention itNo attributed grants0 issues ruled on -
Formaldehyde
A preservative and resin chemical found in building materials and shipboard spaces.
318decisions mention itNo attributed grants5 issues ruled on -
Phosgene
A chemical warfare agent also produced when some solvents are heated.
224decisions mention itNo attributed grants6 issues ruled on -
Manganese
A metal in steel alloys and welding rod, released in welding fumes.
128decisions mention itNo attributed grants7 issues ruled on -
Xylene
A solvent in paints, thinners and cleaning products.
384decisions mention itNo attributed grants3 issues ruled on -
Acetone
A fast-evaporating solvent in nail-polish remover, paint strippers and parts cleaners.
435decisions mention itNo attributed grants1 issue ruled on -
Paint thinner
The mixed-solvent thinners used to cut and clean up paint.
490decisions mention itNo attributed grants6 issues ruled on -
Naphtha
A petroleum distillate used as a cleaning solvent and lighter fuel.
91decisions mention itNo attributed grants0 issues ruled on -
Mineral spirits
A petroleum solvent for thinning paint and washing parts. Also sold as white spirit.
39decisions mention itNo attributed grants0 issues ruled on -
Stoddard solvent
The dry-cleaning and parts-washing solvent specified in many military maintenance manuals.
39decisions mention itNo attributed grants0 issues ruled on -
Hexane
A solvent in adhesives, cleaners and some fuels.
74decisions mention itNo attributed grants0 issues ruled on -
Turpentine
A pine-resin solvent used to thin oil paint and varnish.
42decisions mention itNo attributed grants0 issues ruled on -
Lacquer thinner
A strong mixed solvent for lacquer and enamel work.
49decisions mention itNo attributed grants0 issues ruled on -
Ethylene glycol
Engine antifreeze and coolant.
79decisions mention itNo attributed grants0 issues ruled on
No attributed grants in this snapshot does not mean exposure was harmless, or that a future claim cannot succeed.
03 / Separately reviewed historical record
Back to substance finderOTHER EXPOSURES · CHEMICAL RECORD
Sulfuric acid
Named in military occupational-exposure claims, including battery-shop and laboratory work. A documented release at Aberdeen’s Edgewood Area adds a separate historical record.
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MARYLAND
The Edgewood sulfuric-acid release
The release is documented.
Personal exposure is a separate question.
The EPA’s enforcement report describes a failed sulfuric-acid tank and containment dike, with hundreds of gallons reaching a nearby creek. This is an official record of an environmental release, not just a recollection.
EPA enforcement report · printed page 43
September 1985. A later news account identifies September 17.
The Pilot Plant / Canal Creek area at Edgewood, part of Aberdeen Proving Ground. Army / EPA site record
KEEP THE ORIGINAL RECORD
Sources that document the event
Start with the free EPA record. The newspaper accounts provide reporting from the period. Each opens at the original publisher; no account is needed on RateMyVSO.
Enforcement Accomplishments Report
Documents the acid tank, failed containment and discharge into a nearby creek.
Use it for: the event record. It does not identify every exposed service member.
Maryland Officials Probing Aberdeen Chemical Disposal
Contemporary reporting on the acid spill and fish kill.
The Washington Post · Access may require a subscription.
The Aberdeen Mess
Identifies September 17, 1985 as the release date.
The Washington Post · Access may require a subscription.
A source list is a reference aid, not an exposure certification or a medical opinion. Preserve the document title, date and relevant page with any copy you keep.
LOCATION AND TIMING MATTER
The spill is not proof about your tap water.
Canal Creek groundwater, Edgewood’s water system and the main Aberdeen Area are not interchangeable. The records need to be read in their own place and time.
Before the acid release
USGS reports that Canal Creek standby wells stopped supplying drinking water after volatile organic chemicals were found in 1984.
Read USGS report · printed p. 1Service there is not an exposure measurement
The spill record does not show that sulfuric acid reached a particular person’s drinking water two years later. ATSDR describes main Aberdeen’s principal supply as Deer Creek surface water, separate from the Edgewood setting.
Read ATSDR assessment · printed p. 9More site and water-system records
ATSDR Edgewood Area public health assessment, May 20, 2008
See printed page 57 for the Canal Creek well history.
Army / EPA Canal Creek Record of Decision, 2009
See printed pages 18-19 for drainage and the Building 87 / Pilot Plant complex.
These are environmental background sources. They are not individual medical or exposure determinations.
INDIVIDUAL CASES, NOT A SUCCESS RATE
What the VA Board has actually decided
These are real, separately reviewed decisions. The labels distinguish a grant, a denial and a remand, which sends a case back for more work. None establishes a claim arising from the 1985 spill.
Oral cancer after mixed occupational exposures
The Board credited medical evidence involving asbestos, sulfuric-acid mist and other chemical exposure in an aircraft powerplant mechanic.
Not Aberdeen. Not a sulfuric-acid-only finding.
Renal disease and Aberdeen contaminants
Direct service connection followed evidence of Aberdeen service in 1995 and an individual medical opinion discussing solvents and other contaminants.
An Aberdeen case, but not a sulfuric-acid or 1985-spill case.
Aberdeen laboratory work naming sulfuric acid
A prostate-cancer claim returned for exposure development and a medical opinion. The reported laboratory chemicals included sulfuric acid.
No grant or finding about the spill. Water mentioned in this case refers to laboratory samples.
Sarcoidosis and claimed battery-shop exposure
The Board denied the claim without supporting medical nexus evidence connecting the condition to the claimed acid exposure.
Not Aberdeen. This denial does not settle the medical question for every person.
Board decisions apply to the individual case and do not create a general presumption or binding rule for other veterans.
About the 125 mentions and this case selection
On September 12, 2026, a local corpus of 1,897,152 decisions was searched for the phrases “sulfuric acid” or “sulphuric acid.” The 125 distinct matches can include allegations, unrelated history and passing references. They are not a count of confirmed exposures.
This is not the entire current VA archive. The April 2026 laboratory decision was found separately on the VA site and is absent from this local snapshot. The examples above are a reviewed selection, not a complete inventory or outcome sample.
The existing issue-attribution method identifies one coded grant for this substance in this snapshot. We do not calculate a rate from that small set or use the 125 mentions as its denominator.
FROM A PUBLIC RECORD TO AN INDIVIDUAL HISTORY
One source cannot tell the whole story.
An event report, service records and medical evidence answer different questions. Keeping them separate makes clear what is documented and what remains unknown.
The event
Official reports and dated news coverage.
The circumstances
Location, dates, duties and records of contact.
The medical question
Condition-specific evidence and a qualified medical assessment.
Reading the evidence
Good questions.
Important limits.
The difference between a mention, a finding, and a medical link matters.
Why is there no grant rate on this page?
Because the samples are far too small for one to mean anything. A percentage calculated from four decisions looks like a statistic and behaves like noise. The counts are shown raw so you can see exactly how thin the record is.
I do not see my chemical. Is it covered?
Start with the substance index at the top of the page, which names everything here. Substances the Board has granted something on have their own generated outcome card by name. Sulfuric acid has a separately reviewed section with original historical sources and individual Board examples. Substances we searched that came back empty are named in Searched, and the record came back empty. And the broad cards list the chemicals that appear inside their own decisions, so you can see whether a card like "Industrial solvents and degreasers" covers what you were around. If your chemical is on none of those, we have not searched it yet, and telling us is the fastest way to change that.
Why does a substance get no generated outcome card of its own?
Because the Board has ruled on it but never granted a claim tied to it. An accusation with no grant behind it is not a finding, and giving it a generated outcome card would suggest a link the record does not support. It is still named on this page, with its counts, so you can see exactly what the record holds. A separately reviewed historical section does not waive that rule: it makes no statistical claim, so it is not a generated outcome card either.
Does a substance appearing here help my claim?
This page reports historical sources and individual Board decisions. Whether an exposure caused a condition in a specific case is a medical and legal question. A VA-accredited representative can help with yours, free.
Where are asbestos, benzene and the rest?
Those have enough decided cases to chart per condition, so each has its own page on the exposures hub.
RateMyVSO. Educational aggregate of published Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions plus public-domain toxicology (ATSDR). Not affiliated with the VA. Not legal or medical advice. Whether any exposure caused any condition in a specific case is a medical and legal question, a VSO representative can help.