A fire that ignited in June 2003 at the Mishraq State Sulfur Mine Plant near Mosul, Iraq burned for almost a month. Field samples of air in the vicinity of the fire detected sulfur dioxide at levels immediately dangerous to health and life. Hydrogen sulfide also was released. Exposure varied by wind and fire conditions over time.
Firefighters were considered the most exposed. Firefighters were primarily from the 101st Airborne Division – 52nd Engineer Battalion, 326th Engineer Battalion, and the 887th Engineer Battalion.
A group of soldiers from Fort Campbell, KY who were stationed in Iraq, most of whom had prolonged exposure to sulfur dioxide during the Mishraq Sulfur Mine fire, were evaluated for pulmonary symptoms in 2007. Many of these Servicemembers reported a significant change in their ability to run two miles on the Army Physical Fitness Test.
If you are concerned about exposures during the Mishraq Sulfur Mine fire, talk to your health care provider or local VA Environmental Health Coordinator.
Health effects from sulfur dioxide exposure
Servicemembers involved with fighting this fire experienced irritation, minor burns, and blood-tinged nasal mucous.
Both sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are gases that can produce irritation and reddening of the nose and throat, eye irritation, and coughing. At high levels, these gases can burn the skin and cause severe airway obstruction, hypoxia (inadequate supply of oxygen to the body) and pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs).
Short-term high-level exposure has been associated with a rare condition of lung damage known as constrictive bronchiolitis and an asthma-like condition known as reactive airway dysfunction syndrome.
Health concerns?
If you are concerned about exposures during the Mishraq Sulfur Mine fire, 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 may be eligible for VA disability compensation benefits and health care benefits for health problems associated with exposures during the Mishraq Sulfur Mine fire.
Veterans' dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits. Read Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors to learn more.
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