ROTOR Act

This legislation, known as the Rotary-wing Operator Toxic Occupational Research Act or the ROTOR Act, mandates the Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to undertake a comprehensive study. In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, the DHA will investigate the prevalence and mortality of specific cancers among military rotary-wing aircrew members and aviation support personnel. The initial phase of this study aims to determine if there is an increased rate of brain, breast, colon, lung, prostate, or other specified cancers within this group compared to similarly aged individuals in the general population, with a report due within one year. Should the initial phase identify increased cancer rates, a second phase will be launched to pinpoint potential causes. This subsequent investigation will identify any carcinogenic toxins or hazardous materials associated with aircraft operation, such as fumes or fuels, and examine operating environments for excess exposure to non-ionizing radiation from radars. Additionally, it will explore other service-related exposures to toxins, like those from burn pits or contaminated water, by determining service locations and duties unrelated to aircraft operation. Data for the study will be drawn from sources like the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and disaggregated by race, gender, and age, with a second report due one year after the first.