Do any of the contaminants of concern cause Graves disease?
The chemical contaminants of concern have not been associated with Graves’ disease, which is a toxic goiter characterized by diffuse hyperplasia of the thyroid gland (a form of hyperthyroidism); the only substance known to cause the disease is iodine. Iodine is not one of the contaminants of concern at McAFB. Exposure to excess iodine can cause Graves’ disease by directly stimulating the thyroid gland (86,87). For more information on Graves’ disease, see Appendix F. • Can any of the contaminants be linked to major depression at McAFB? Major depression is a clinical syndrome characterized by a persistent disturbance in mood; depression is clearly distinguishable from previous functioning. The cause of major depression is not known (88). The diagnosis is made only after all other possible causes have been excluded. Depression can be secondary to illnesses, other mental disorders, alcohol dependency, and anti-hypertensive medications; those types are not considered major depression (82,88
