Burn Pit Exposure

Burn Pit Exposure Overview

“Airborne hazard” refers to any sort of contaminant or potentially toxic substance that we are exposed to through the air we breathe. Veterans are especially concerned about exposure to the smoke and fumes generated by open burn pits. While on active duty, military servicemembers may have been exposed to a variety of airborne hazards including:

The smoke and fumes from open burn pits
Sand, dust, and particulate matter
General air pollution common in certain countries
Fuel, aircraft exhaust, and other mechanical fumes
Smoke from oil well fires

Burn Pit Exposure Types

The following are recognized by VA as presumptive conditions for Burn Pit Exposure:

Acute and chronic leukemias
Brain cancer
Gastrointestinal cancer of any type
Glioblastoma
Head cancer of any type
Kidney cancer
Lymphatic cancer of any type
Lymphoma of any type
Melanoma
Multiple myelomas
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Myelofibrosis
Neck cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Reproductive cancer of any type
Urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers
Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx
Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea
Adenocarcinoma of the trachea
Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung
Large cell carcinoma of the lung
Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung
Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung
Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type
Asthma that was diagnosed after service
Chronic bronchitis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Chronic rhinitis
Chronic sinusitis
Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis
Emphysema
Granulomatous disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
Pleuritis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Sarcoidosis

Burn Pit Exposure Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of exposure to burn pits include:

allergy-like symptoms asthma
breathing restrictions
chronic bronchitis
chronic coughs
constant infections
diarrhea
leukemia
lung cancer
nose bleeds
skin infection
sleep apnea
pulmonary injuries
severe headache
unexpected weight loss
vomiting
serious heart conditions
ulcers
cancers (including but not limited to lung, brain, bone and skin)
throat infections
cramps and severe abdominal pain
restrictive airways disease (bronchiolitis)
weeping lesions on extremities

Burn Pit Exposure Risk Factors

In Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas of the Southwest Asia theater of military operations, open-air combustion of trash and other waste in burn pits was a common practice. Waste products commonly disposed of in open burn pits include:

Chemicals, paint, medical and human waste
Metal and aluminum cans
Munitions and unexploded ordnance
Petroleum and lubricant products
Plastics, rubber, wood, and food waste

Exposure to smoke created by burning these materials may cause irritation and burning of eyes or throat, coughing, breathing difficulties, skin itching or rashes. Many of these conditions are temporary and resolve on their own when the exposure ends. However, if you were closer to burn pit smoke or were exposed for longer periods of time, you may be at greater risk for longer-term health conditions.

Burn Pit Exposure Treatment

VA health care is available to veterans who may have been exposed to burn pits or other environmental hazards. If you are concerned about the potential health effects of environmental exposures we encourage you to talk to your health care provider, apply for VA health care, and file a claim for compensation and benefits.

Inclusion in the redesigned Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry does not impact the individual health care or benefits of Veterans. If you are already enrolled in VA health care, contact your facility’s environmental health coordinator for more information and resources on getting care for environmental exposures.

If you served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan or Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or New Dawn (OND) in Iraq, you can receive free VA health care for up to 5 years after separation. Taking advantage of this enhanced eligibility period may help your VA claim for compensation, benefits, and health care later. Veterans who served in other campaigns and regions or during other time periods can check their eligibility for VA health care.

Other Resources and Support

Sign up for the Department of Veterans Affairs Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry here: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/get-care.asp

https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp