Burn pits were a common method of waste disposal used by the U.S. military, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan, beginning around 2001. These large, open-air areas burned a wide variety of materials, including trash, plastics, wood, metal, paints, solvents, munitions, medical waste, and human waste. The burning, often accelerated by jet fuel, released smoke and toxic substances into the air. Concerns have grown regarding the potential health impacts on military personnel and contractors exposed to these emissions.
Immediate Reactions to Exposure
Exposure to burn pit smoke and fumes can lead to a variety of immediate, short-term reactions. Individuals often experienced eye irritation, including burning, redness, and watering. Skin irritation, such as itching and rashes, was also commonly reported.
Respiratory symptoms often appeared quickly, manifesting as coughing, throat irritation, and breathing difficulties. While many of these acute conditions were temporary and would resolve once the exposure ceased, the intensity and duration of exposure, along with the types of waste burned, influenced the severity of these immediate effects.
Persistent Respiratory and Cardiovascular Issues
Beyond immediate reactions, burn pit exposure has been linked to a range of chronic and persistent health conditions affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Respiratory problems are particularly prominent, with conditions such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) being commonly reported. A study tracking nearly 460,000 veterans found that those who served near burn pits were more likely to develop asthma, hypertension, and heart disease.
Specific and sometimes rare lung conditions, including constrictive bronchiolitis (also known as obliterative bronchiolitis), emphysema, interstitial lung disease, and sarcoidosis, have also been associated with burn pit exposure. These conditions can lead to persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing, often worsening over time. Additionally, hypertension and ischemic stroke have been linked to prolonged deployment near burn pits.
Broader Health Conditions
Burn pit exposure can impact various other bodily systems, leading to a spectrum of broader health conditions. Neurological problems are among these, with reports of persistent headaches, dizziness, cognitive issues such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating, and even conditions like Parkinson’s disease. The toxic chemicals and heavy metals released from burn pits can damage the nervous system, contributing to these varied neurological symptoms.
Skin conditions, including chronic rashes, itching, and lesions, are also observed. Gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and general digestive issues, have been reported. Exposure has also been associated with various types of cancers, including lung, head and neck, brain, and lymphomas, with some, such as certain respiratory and gastrointestinal cancers, now recognized as presumptive conditions by the VA.
Guidance for Those Affected
For individuals who suspect they have symptoms related to burn pit exposure, taking proactive steps is important for their health and well-being. Consulting a healthcare professional is a primary recommendation to discuss any new or worsening symptoms. It is helpful to provide doctors with a detailed history of exposure, including dates, locations, and the types of materials that may have been burned.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers resources such as the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, which allows veterans and service members to document their exposure history and health concerns. This registry can help individuals track their health over time and facilitate discussions with their medical providers. The PACT Act, passed in 2022, expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, including burn pits, making it easier to file claims for presumptive conditions. Seeking support from veterans’ advocacy groups can also provide guidance on navigating the claims process and accessing available benefits.