Open-air burn pits have operated widely at military sites in Iraq and Afghanistan. In response to the exposure concerns of many returning Veterans, VA is sponsoring several studies on possible health effects. The most recent Institute of Medicine report on burn pits, “Long-Term Health Consequences of Exposure to Burn Pits in Iraq and Afghanistan”*† was released on October 31. VA currently is assessing the report.

If you are concerned about your exposure to burn pits, talk to your health care provider or local VA Environmental Health Coordinator.

Exposure to smoke from burn pits

Photo: U.S. Department of Defense

Health effects depend on a number of factors, such as the kind of waste being burned, individual susceptibility, exposure duration, air flow patterns, and closeness to the pit. You may be at greater risk if you burned waste at the pit compared to those were only in the vicinity of the smoke.

Exposure to toxins may affect the skin, eyes, respiration, kidneys, liver, nervous system, cardiovascular system, reproductive system, peripheral nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract.

Most of the irritation related to solid waste burning exposure, however, is temporary and resolves once the exposure is gone. This includes eye irritation and burning, coughing and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and skin itching and rashes.

Type of waste burned

Waste products in burn pits include, but are not limited to: chemicals, paint, medical and human waste, metal/aluminum cans, munitions and other unexploded ordnance, petroleum and lubricant products, plastics and Styrofoam, rubber, wood, and discarded food.

Health concerns?

If you are concerned about exposure to burn pits during military service, talk to your health care provider or local VA Environmental Health Coordinator. Veterans not enrolled in the VA health care system, find out if you qualify for VA health care.

VA benefits

Veterans who were exposed to toxins released by burn pits during military service may be eligible for:

• Health care benefits, including a free Gulf War Registry health exam for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn Veterans
• Disability compensation benefits for disabilities that VA determines are associated with exposure to burn pits during military service
• Other benefits, including home loans, vocational rehabilitation, and education