The Environmental and Individual Health Impacts of Military Burn Pits

Military toxic exposures have occurred in most major military events and include chemicals (e.g., Agent Orange), radiation (e.g., nuclear weapons), air pollutants (e.g., burn pits), warfare agents (e.g., biological weapons), and occupational hazards (e.g., asbestos). Airborne hazards, like smoke from burn pits, have been common in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Southwest Asia. Burn pits involved open burning of waste, chemicals, and waste materials used during wars like Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) to avoid transporting waste in combat zones. Due to health concerns, the Department of Defense/Department of War has been closing all burn pits.

Read more »