In June, the VA released an update on their research of conditions potentially related to Burn Pit exposure; you can read it here: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/exposures/va-ahobp-registry-data-report-june2015.pdf.
For those unfamiliar with the term, Burn Pits refers to open-air
burning of plastics, medical waste, and trash – sometimes creating fumes that
some scientists say are new, unique compounds that may be toxic to humans. Not every respiratory problem is related to
the Burn Pits, but a recent report provides new information based on the VA
Burn Pit Registry and continuing research.
An important note: if you
were deployed and exposed to one of many of the Burn Pits in Iraq or
Afghanistan, it’s important to join the Burn Pit Registry at the VA and to be
evaluated. If you’re unsure and have
questions, you can contact the Environmental Health Coordinator at your
treating VA medical center, or call 877-222-8387.
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| VA Blog Photo |
Higher concern rose in 2008 when a greater than expected rate of
respiratory conditions and symptoms were noted from serving troops exposed to
fumes in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Frequent exposure to the foreign dust
storms and the unusually small sand particles also appear to be increasing
common illnesses among previously deployed troops and include asthma, chronic
bronchitis, emphysema, and COPD or (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). At
first, this was discussed among troops, not widely accepted at the medical
level, but it wasn’t long until the potential number of veterans affected
reached a critical mass with media coverage.
In a new study released in July, 28,000 veterans who completed
the questions in the Burn Pit Registry, also noted additional health effects
such as higher blood pressure and insomnia, though it’s often difficult to isolate
those symptoms from other conditions. Current
findings are that about 30% of veterans have been diagnosed with respiratory
conditions other than allergies and include quality of life issues including a
reduced ability to run, walk stairs, or continue their prior physical activities.
Almost 46,000 veterans have responded to the lengthy questionnaire.
If you know a veteran who served in the following conflicts and
times, and who was repeatedly exposed to
burn pit fumes or multiple dust storms with possibly related respiratory
conditions, please urge them to join the VA Burn Pit Registry to assist in this
research and analysis.
·
Operations OEF/OIF/New Dawn
·
Djibouti, Africa on or after September 11,
2001
·
Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm
·
Southwest Asia theatre of operations on or
after August 2, 1990
The Burn Pit Registry is found on the VA.gov website (http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp),
you can speak to the Environmental Health Coordinator at your nearest VA
facility, or call 877-222-8387 for more information.
Linda Kreter and the
VeteranCaregiver Team
.
