USBA Blog: Iraq and Afghan Vets: This may apply to you

Iraq and Afghan Vets: This may apply to you

8/1/2016

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Afghan and Iraq Veterans

Potentially toxic fumes from massive open-air burn pits at U.S. military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan may be related to health problems of military troops who were stationed in the vicinity. Styrofoam, metals, plastics and other materials were burned in fire pits stoked by jet fuel. Some are saying the fume released could be the Agent Orange of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

At this time, the VA’s official position is that research hasn’t established evidence of long-term health problems from exposure to the burn pits. However, the full impact may not be known for decades.

That’s why the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has created an Airborne Hazards Registry. This is where you can sign up and complete a questionnaire to report exposure to airborne hazards and other health concerns. Hazards include smoke from burn pits, oil-well fires, and other sources of pollution during deployment. Please check it out and tell other veterans who may have been affected.

You can get more information here.

Photo credit: Associated Press

 

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