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Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Exposures - Public Health

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title="Eligibility">Eligibility</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/toxic_fragments/Fragment_Removal.asp" title="Fragment Removal">Fragment Removal</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#" title="Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses"><span></span>Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="/exposures/gulfwar/index.asp" title="Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Home">Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses Home</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/gulfwar/military-service.asp" title="Gulf War Service">Gulf War Service</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/gulfwar/medically-unexplained-illness.asp" title="Medically Unexplained Illnesses">Medically Unexplained Illnesses</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/gulfwar/infectious_diseases.asp" title="Infectious Diseases">Infectious Diseases</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/gulfwar/benefits/index.asp" title="Benefits">Benefits</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/gulfwar/sources/index.asp" title="Exposures during Gulf War">Exposures during Gulf War</a></li> <li><a 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title="Research Studies">Research Studies</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/radiation/publications/index.asp" title="Publications">Publications</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#" title="Benefits"><span></span>Benefits</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="/exposures/benefits/index.asp" title="Benefits Overview">Benefits Overview</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/benefits/registry-evaluation.asp" title="Health Registry Evaluation">Health Registry Evaluation</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/benefits/health-care.asp" title="Health Care">Health Care</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="/exposures/providers/index.asp" title="Provider Resources">Provider Resources</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/research-studies.asp" title="Research Studies">Research Studies</a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/publications/index.asp" title="Publications &amp; Reports">Publications &amp; Reports</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#" title="VET-HOME"><span></span>VET-HOME</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a 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Prevention Program</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="#" title="VEMEC"><span></span>VEMEC</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="/about/vemec/index.asp" title="About VEMEC">About VEMEC</a></li> <li><a href="/about/vemec/projects/index.asp" title="Key Projects">Key Projects</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="/about/bios/index.asp" title="Biographies">Biographies</a></li> <li><a href="/about/contact_us.asp" title="Contact Public Health">Contact Public Health</a></li> </ul> </ul> <!-- ********** START VHA NAV ************ --> <li><a href="#"><span></span>More Health Care</a> <ul class="sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health/index.asp">Veterans Health Administration</a></li> <li><a href="#"><span></span>Health Benefits</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/">Health Benefits Home</a></li> <li><a href="#"><span></span>Apply for VA Care</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/">Apply Online</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/">Veteran Eligibility</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/active_duty.asp">Active Duty</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/">Families of Veterans</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/womens-health-needs/">Women Veterans</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#"><span></span>Determine Costs</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/communitycare/revenue_ops/copays.asp">Copays</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/cost/financial_assessment.asp">Means Test</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/about-va-health-benefits/va-health-care-and-other-insurance/">Health Insurance</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/cost/make_a_payment.asp">Make a Payment</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#"><span></span>Community Care</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/communitycare/">Community Care Home</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/communitycare/programs/veterans/index.asp">For Veterans</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/communitycare/providers/index.asp">For Providers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/communitycare/pubs/index.asp">Forms &amp; Publications</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#"><span></span>Affordable Care Act</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health/aca/index.asp">Overview</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health/aca/EnrolledVeterans.asp">Veterans Enrolled<br>in VA Health Care</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health/aca/NonEnrolledVeterans.asp">Veterans Not Enrolled in VA<br>Health Care</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health/aca/FamilyMembers.asp">Family Members</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health/aca/FAQ.asp">Frequently Asked Questions</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health-care/schedule-view-va-appointments/">Schedule a VA Appointment</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.caregiver.va.gov/">Caregiver Support</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/choosing-between-urgent-and-emergency-care/">Urgent Care</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#"><span></span>Conditions &amp; Treatments</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health/topics/index.asp">See All Conditions &amp; Treatments (A-Z)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hepatitis.va.gov/">Hepatitis</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.hiv.va.gov/">HIV</a></li> <li><a href="#"><span></span>Mental Health</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/">Mental Health Home</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/index.asp">Suicide Prevention</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-abuse/index.asp">Substance Abuse</a></li> <li><a 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Home</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.research.va.gov/about/">About VA Research</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.research.va.gov/services/">Services</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.research.va.gov/programs/">Programs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.research.va.gov/currents/">News, Events and Media</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.research.va.gov/topics/">Research Topics</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.research.va.gov/for_veterans/">For Veterans</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.research.va.gov/resources/">For Researchers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/oro/">Research Oversight</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="#"><span></span>Special Groups</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.caregiver.va.gov/">Caregivers</a></li> <li><a href="#"><span></span>Combat Veterans &amp; their Families</a> <ul class="sub-sub-menu"> <li><a href="https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/">Readjustment Counseling (Vet Centers)</a></li> <li><a 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healthevet badge" alt="My healthevet badge" ></a></div> <!-- ********************* END OF MHV and Blue Button ************************* --> </div><!--End Left Col Content --> <!-- *********** END OF LEFT COLUMN ADDITIONAL CONTENT AREA *************** --> <style> .va-footer-links-bottom:last-of-type { margin-bottom: 20px; } #footer-alert { position: fixed; bottom: 0; left:0; z-index:1; width: 100%; height: 60px; background-color: #f1f1f1; } #footer-alert p { margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; color: #004795; } #footer-alert p a { color: #004795; } .va-banner-body > p > i { display: none; } @media (min-width: 480px) { .va-banner-body > p > i { display: inline-block; background-color: #ffffff; border-radius: 50%; margin: 0.4rem; padding: 0.8em; } #footer-alert p { margin: 5px auto; font-size: 1.2em; } } </style> <script> $(function() { document.getElementById("sub-footer").style.marginBottom = "60px"; var alertMsg = "<div id=\"footer-alert\"><div class=\"va-banner-body\" role=\"banner\"><p><i class=\"fas fa-bullhorn icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&nbsp;</i><a href=\"https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits\" title=\"PACT Act and your VA benefits\">Learn what the PACT Act means for your VA benefits <i class=\"fas fa-angle-double-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></i><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>"; $("body").append(alertMsg); }); </script> </div> <!--End of left nav container --> <!-- ******* END OF LEFT COLUMN ******** --> <!-- *************************** End LEFT NAVIGATION MENU ******************************* --> </div> </div> <!-- Right Container --> <span style="position:absolute;"><a id="main-content">&nbsp;</a></span> <div class="col-md-9"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-8"> <div class="fill"> <div id="innerContentWrapper"> <div id="innerContent" class="innerDir"> <!-- START: PAGE TITLE AREA --> <h2 class="page-title">Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Exposures</h2> <!-- ********** END PAGE TITLE ********** --> <!-- ********** START PAGE CONTENT ******** --> <style><!-- figure{ width: 275px; float: right; margin: 0 0 0 20px !important; } figure figcaption {font-weight: bold; font-size:11px; } #burnpitthumb{ cursor: pointer; transition: 0.3s; } #burnpitthumb:hover {opacity: 0.7;} /* The Modal (background) */ .modal { display: none; /* Hidden by default */ position: fixed; /* Stay in place */ z-index: 1; /* Sit on top */ padding-top: 100px; /* Location of the box */ left: 0; top: 0; width: 100%; /* Full width */ height: 100%; /* Full height */ overflow: auto; /* Enable scroll if needed */ background-color: rgb(0,0,0); /* Fallback color */ background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.9); /* Black w/ opacity */ } /* Modal Content (image) */ .modal-content { margin: auto; display: block; width: 80%; max-width: 700px; } /* Caption of Modal Image */ #caption { margin: auto; display: block; width: 80%; max-width: 700px; text-align: center; color: #ccc; padding: 10px 0; height: 150px; } /* Add Animation */ .modal-content, #caption { -webkit-animation-name: zoom; -webkit-animation-duration: 0.6s; animation-name: zoom; animation-duration: 0.6s; } @-webkit-keyframes zoom { from {-webkit-transform:scale(0)} to {-webkit-transform:scale(1)} } @keyframes zoom { from {transform:scale(0)} to {transform:scale(1)} } /* The Close Button */ .close { position: absolute; top: 15px; right: 35px; color: #f1f1f1; font-size: 40px; font-weight: bold; transition: 0.3s; } .close:hover, .close:focus { color: #bbb; text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; } /* 100% Image Width on Smaller Screens */ @media only screen and (max-width: 700px){ .modal-content { width: 100%; } } --></style> <div style="margin-top: -18px;"> <p>Read about <a href="#presumptive" title="presumptive conditions">presumptive conditions</a>.<br /><br />&ldquo;Airborne hazard&rdquo; refers to any sort of contaminant or potentially toxic substance that we are exposed to through the air we breathe. While on active duty, military service members may have been exposed to a variety of airborne hazards including:</p> <ul> <li>The smoke and fumes from open burn pits</li> <li>Sand, dust, and particulate matter</li> <li>General air pollution common in certain countries</li> <li>Fuel, aircraft exhaust, and other mechanical fumes</li> <li>Smoke from oil well fires</li> </ul> <figure><img alt="Map of countries and bodies of water included in AHOBR 2.0" id="burnpitthumb" src="/images/burnpits/20230801_Salvatore_AHOBPR_2.png" width="309" /> <figcaption>Click to expand the map of countries and bodies of water&nbsp;currently included in the VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.</figcaption> </figure> <!-- The Modal --> <div class="modal" id="myModal"><span class="close">&times;</span> <img class="modal-content" id="img01" /> <div id="caption"></div> </div> <p>VA understands that many Veterans are especially concerned about exposure to the smoke and fumes generated by open burn pits. <br /><br />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. The Department of Defense has now closed out most burn pits and is planning to close the remainder.&nbsp;<br /><br />Depending on a variety of factors, you may experience health effects related to this exposure. Factors that may indicate you have a greater or lesser risk of short or long-term health effects include:</p> <ul style="list-style-position: outside;"> <li>Types of waste burned</li> <li>Proximity, amount of time, and frequency of exposure</li> <li>Wind direction and other weather-related factors</li> <li>Presence of other airborne or environmental hazards in the area</li> </ul> <p><strong>Researchers, including experts at VA, are actively studying airborne hazards like burn pits and other military environmental exposures.</strong> Ongoing research will help us better understand potential long-term health effects and provide you with better care and services.</p> <p>Many health conditions related to these hazards are temporary and should disappear after the exposure ends. Other longer-term health issues may be caused by a combination of hazardous exposures, injuries, or illnesses you may have experienced during your military service including blast or noise injuries.</p> <h2><a id="presumptive" name="presumptive" title="presumptive" class="bookmark"></a>&nbsp;Presumptive Conditions for Airborne Hazards and Burn Pit Exposures&nbsp;</h2> <figure><img alt="Doctor speaking with older man " src="/images/hazexp/doctor-patient.jpg" style="float: right; margin: 5px 0 0 20px; width: 100%; max-width: 300px;" /></figure> <p>The following are presumptive conditions:<strong><br /></strong></p> <ul> <li>Brain cancer</li> <li>Gastrointestinal cancer of any type</li> <li>Glioblastoma</li> <li>Head cancer&nbsp;of any type</li> <li>Kidney cancer</li> <li>Lymphatic cancer&nbsp;of any type</li> <li>Lymphoma&nbsp;of any type</li> <li>Melanoma</li> <li>Neck cancer</li> <li>Pancreatic cancer</li> <li>Reproductive cancer&nbsp;of any type</li> <li>Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx</li> <li>Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea</li> <li>Adenocarcinoma of the trachea</li> <li>Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea</li> <li>Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung</li> <li>Large cell carcinoma of the lung</li> <li>Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung</li> <li>Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung</li> <li>Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung</li> <li>Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type</li> </ul> <div class="image-left"><img alt="Scan the QR code" border="0" height="300" src="/images/QR-BurnPits.jpg" title="Scan the QR code to continue reading" width="214" /></div> <ul> <li>Asthma <span>that was diagnosed after service</span></li> <li>Chronic bronchitis</li> <li>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)</li> <li>Chronic rhinitis</li> <li>Chronic sinusitis</li> <li>Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis</li> <li>Emphysema</li> <li>Granulomatous disease</li> <li>Interstitial lung disease (ILD)</li> <li>Pleuritis</li> <li>Pulmonary fibrosis</li> <li>Sarcoidosis</li> </ul> Read about burn pit and other toxic exposures that are now <a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/">presumptions related to the PACT Act.</a><br /><br /> <p><strong>We encourage all Veterans who are concerned about exposure to burn pits or other airborne hazards to talk to talk to your health care provider,&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fhealth-care%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7C33c21521d1d445eef73e08dce7c52a56%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638640081205346269%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=qUyFeJFM0OIkQLCSQmx6N9ng%2ByqxZnsq5Al1QSzhi5Y%3D&amp;reserved=0">apply for VA health care</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fdisability%2Fhow-to-file-claim%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7C33c21521d1d445eef73e08dce7c52a56%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638640081205362553%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=xi7lp522IJEJzW3BOsUVvwIeRWHrg78f1bTccn2rSeA%3D&amp;reserved=0">file a claim</a>&nbsp;for compensation and benefits</strong>. You do not have to file a VA claim to receive care from VA.</p> <p>If you served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan or Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or New Dawn (OND) in Iraq, you can receive <a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.va.gov%2Fhealth-care%2Feligibility%2Factive-duty%2F%23%3A~%3Atext%3DYou%2520can%2520receive%2520free%2520VA%2Ccalled%2520an%2520enhanced%2520eligibility%2520period.&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7C33c21521d1d445eef73e08dce7c52a56%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C638640081205379612%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bJkGbas3xar1AmK2wQGVIUp%2B8nrdvsIMgGo38bxw3qs%3D&amp;reserved=0">free VA health care for up to 10 years</a>&nbsp;after separation from the military. Taking advantage of this enhanced eligibility period may help your VA claim for compensation, benefits, and health care later</p> <br />Read about <a href="https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/">eligiblity for free VA health care </a>as a post-9/11 combat Veteran.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /> <h2>Open Burn Pits &ndash; What Was Burned</h2> <p>Waste products commonly disposed of in open burn pits include:</p> <ul style="list-style-position: outside;"> <li>Chemicals, paint, medical and human waste</li> <li>Metal and aluminum cans</li> <li>Munitions and unexploded ordnance</li> <li>Petroleum and lubricant products</li> <li>Plastics, rubber, wood, and food waste</li> </ul> <p>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.</p> <h2>Additional Information</h2> <p>Please refer to the resources below for additional information:</p> <ul style="list-style-position: outside;"> <li><a href="https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/sand-dust-particulates/index.asp">Sand, Dust, and Particulate Exposure </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/docs/modflyer.asp">War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) Training for Health Care Providers</a></li> <li><a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.publichealth.va.gov%2Fexposures%2Fpublications%2Fmilitary-exposures%2Fmeyh-3%2Findex.asp&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C489a7e3f1610449f69d008d89aeb950f%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C637429683886909820%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=8Qt8cTIFd5k6Rodx4LGkpDMuEKR12OMPnnLWgN1jZsE%3D&amp;reserved=0">Military Exposures Newsletter&nbsp; </a></li> <li><a href="/exposures/gulfwar/sources/oil-well-fires.asp">Oil Well Fires during Gulf War</a></li> </ul> <p>To learn more about other types of military exposures, visit the <a href="https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/index.asp">military exposures homepage</a>.</p> <div class="clear">&nbsp;</div> <p style="background: #eee; margin-top:1.5em; padding: 8px;"><a title="Download free viewer and reader software" href="http://www.va.gov/viewer.htm">Download free viewer and reader software</a> to view PDF, video and other file formats.</p> <script>// <![CDATA[ // Get the modal var modal = document.getElementById("myModal"); // Get the image and insert it inside the modal - use its "alt" text as a caption var img = document.getElementById("burnpitthumb"); var modalImg = document.getElementById("img01"); var captionText = document.getElementById("caption"); img.onclick = function(){ modal.style.display = "block"; modalImg.src = this.src; captionText.innerHTML = this.alt; } // Get the <span> element that closes the modal var span = document.getElementsByClassName("close")[0]; // When the user clicks on <span> (x), close the modal span.onclick = function() { modal.style.display = "none"; } // ]]></script> </div> <!-- Burn Pits --> <div style="display: none;" class="exposure" id="burnPitsHiddenHTML" aria-hidden="true"> <h2 id="exposureName">Burn Pits</h2> <!-- Exposure Description --> <div class="exposureDescription"> <p>Open air pits used to burn several waste products, including, but not limited to: chemicals, paint, medical and human waste, metal/aluminum cans, munitions, petroleum and lubricant products, plastics and Styrofoam, rubber, wood, and food waste.</p> </div> <!-- Exposure Source --> <div class="exposureSource"> <p>Veterans who were deployed to any area where a burn pit was operated.</p> </div> <!-- Exposure Pathway --> <div class="exposurePathway"> <p>inhalation</p> </div> <!-- Locations related to the exposure --> <div class="exposureArea"> <p>Southwest Asia, South-Central Asia, Southeastern Europe, Africa</p> </div> <!-- Conflicts related to the exposure --> <div class="exposureConflict"> <p>Gulf War, Operation Joint Endeavor (OJE), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) / Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) / Operation New Dawn (OND)</p> </div> <!-- Dates relevant to the exposure --> <div class="exposureDates"> <p>1990-1991, 2001-2021</p> </div> <!-- Health implications relevant to the exposure --> <div class="exposureHealthImplications"> <p>Toxicants in burn pit smoke may affect the skin, eyes, respiratory and cardiovascular systems, gastrointestinal tract and internal organs. Acute effects include eye irritation and burning, coughing and throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and skin itching and rashes.</p> <p>Veterans who were closer to burn pit smoke or exposed for longer periods may be at greater risk for more serious effects, including some cancers. Health effects depend on a number of other factors, such as the kind of waste being burned and wind direction.</p> </div> <!-- Change the url to the new url --> <!-- Change the description to fit the new url --> <div class="exposureSites"> <div class="documentSite"> <ul> <li class="description">Burn Pits webpage</li> <li class="url">https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/index.asp</li> </ul> </div> </div> <!-- Fact Sheets --> <div class="exposureFactsheets"> <div class="factsheetInfo"> <ul> <li class="descr">WRIISC - Burn Pits Fact Sheet</li> <li class="url">https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/education/factsheets/burn-pits.pdf</li> </ul> </div> <div class="factsheetInfo"> <ul> <li class="descr">USAPHC - Burn Pit Exposures FAQs</li> <li class="url">https://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/Burn_Pits_FAQs_FS_64-027-0514.pdf</li> </ul> </div> </div> <!-- Exposure Reports --> <div class="exposureReports"> <div class="reportInfo"> <ul> <li class="description">NASEM - Long-Term Health Consequences of Exposure to Burn Pits in Iraq and Afghanistan (2011)</li> <li class="url">https://www.nap.edu/read/13209/chapter/1</li> </ul> </div> <div class="reportInfo"> <ul> <li class="description">NASEM - Assessment of the Department of Veterans Affairs Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry (2017)</li> <li class="url">https://www.nap.edu/read/23677/chapter/1</li> </ul> </div> <div class="reportInfo"> <ul> <li class="description">NASEM - Respiratory Health Effects of Airborne Hazards Exposures in the Southwest Asia Theater of Military Operations (2020)</li> <li class="url">https://www.nap.edu/read/25837/chapter/1</li> </ul> </div> </div> <!-- Other Useful Resources --> <div class="Resources">&nbsp;</div> <!-- Referrals relevant to the exposure --> <div class="exposureReferrals"> <div class="Referral"><!-- Referral Name --> <p class="name">Get a Registry Evaluation</p> <!-- Website(s) related to the referral --> <div class="referralSite"> <ul> <li class="descr">Environmental Health Coordinator</li> <li class="url">https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp</li> </ul> </div> <!-- Website(s) related to the referral --> <!-- General information/content of the program --> <!-- <p> - represents a paragraph, or general statement --> <!-- <li> - represents a list item, similar to bullet point --> <p class="content">Contact your local https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp or VA Primary Care Team about getting a registry evaluation.</p> </div> <div class="Referral"><!-- Referral Name --> <p class="name">WRIISC Link</p> <!-- Website(s) related to the referral --> <div class="referralSite"> <ul> <li class="descr">War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC)</li> <li class="url">https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/WARRELATEDILLNESS/referral/index.asp</li> </ul> </div> <!-- General information/content of the program --> <!-- <p> - represents a paragraph, or general statement --> <!-- <li> - represents a list item, similar to bullet point --> <p class="content">For evaluation for difficult-to-diagnose conditions, contact your local https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/WARRELATEDILLNESS/referral/index.asp.</p> </div> </div> <!-- Policies related to the exposure --> <div class="exposurePolicies"><!-- Burn Pits Presumption --> <div class="policyHeading"><!-- Policy Name --> <span class="policyName"> Burn Pits Presumption</span> <!-- Website(s) related to the policy --> <span class="policySite"></span> <!-- General information/content of the policy --> <!-- <p> - represents a paragraph, or general statement --> <!-- <li> - represents a list item, similar to bullet point --> <p>There are 20 burn pit and other toxic exposure presumptive conditions.</p> <ul> <li>These cancers are presumptive:</li> <li>Brain cancer</li> <li>Gastrointestinal cancer of any type</li> <li>Glioblastoma</li> <li>Head cancer of any type</li> <li>Kidney cancer</li> <li>Lymphoma of any type</li> <li>Melanoma</li> <li>Neck cancer of any type</li> <li>Pancreatic cancer</li> <li>Reproductive cancer of any type</li> <li>Respiratory (breathing-related) cancer of any type</li> </ul> <ul> <li>These illnesses are presumptive:</li> <li>Asthma that was diagnosed after service</li> <li>Chronic bronchitis</li> <li>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)</li> <li>Chronic rhinitis</li> <li>Chronic sinusitis</li> <li>Constrictive bronchiolitis or obliterative bronchiolitis</li> <li>Emphysema</li> <li>Granulomatous disease</li> <li>Interstitial lung disease (ILD)</li> <li>Pleuritis</li> <li>Pulmonary fibrosis</li> <li>Sarcoidosis</li> </ul> <p>For Veterans who served in any of these locations and time periods, VA has determined that they have had exposure to burn pits or other toxins (they have a presumption of exposure).</p> <ul> <li>On or after September 11, 2001, in any of these locations:</li> <li>Afghanistan</li> <li>Djibouti</li> <li>Egypt</li> <li>Jordan</li> <li>Lebanon</li> <li>Syria</li> <li>Uzbekistan</li> <li>Yemen</li> <li>The airspace above any of these locations</li> </ul> <p>On or after August 2, 1990, in any of these locations:</p> <ul> <li>Bahrain</li> <li>Iraq</li> <li>Kuwait</li> <li>Oman</li> <li>Qatar</li> <li>Saudi Arabia</li> <li>Somalia</li> <li>The United Arab Emirates (UAE)</li> <li>The airspace above any of these locations</li> </ul> <!-- Dates related to the policy --> <span class="policyStartDate">2001</span> <span class="policyEndDate">2100</span> <!--Conflicts related to the policy --> <span class="policyConflicts">All Conflicts</span> <!-- Locations related to the policy --> <span class="policyLocations">All Locations</span></div> </div> <!-- Programs related to the exposure --> <div class="exposurePrograms"><!-- Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry --> <div class="programHeading"><!-- Program Name --> <span class="programName">Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry</span> <!-- Website(s) related to the program --> <ul> <li class="url">https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry/</li> </ul> <!-- <span class="policySites"> <li class="url">http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/action-plan.asp</li> </span> --> <!-- General information/content of the program --> <!-- <p> - represents a paragraph, or general statement --> <!-- <li> - represents a list item, similar to bullet point --> <p>Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry: You are eligible to participate in the registry if you were deployed to the Southwest Asia theater of operations or Egypt any time after August 2, 1990 or Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, or Uzbekistan on or after September 11, 2001.. These regions include the following countries, bodies of water, and the airspace above these locations:</p> <ul> <li>Iraq</li> <li>Afghanistan</li> <li>Kuwait</li> <li>Saudi Arabia</li> <li>Bahrain</li> <li>Djibouti</li> <li>Gulf of Aden</li> <li>Gulf of Oman</li> <li>Oman</li> <li>Qatar</li> <li>United Arab Emirates (UAE)</li> <li>Waters of the Persian Gulf, Arzabian Sea, and Red Sea</li> <li>Syria</li> <li>Uzbekistan</li> <li>Egypt</li> </ul> <p>Participants may schedule an optional in-person clinical evaluation by a VA provider.</p> <p>Active Duty service members who would like a similar voluntary medical evaluation may contact your local military hospital or clinic and state that you would like an appointment specifically to address health concerns related to the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry exposures. Please note a medical evaluation is NOT required to be in the registry.</p> <p>Or The eligible individual may complete the web-based self-assessment, which can be found at: https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry/.</p> <!-- <li>For more information, visit: https://veteran.mobilehealth.va.gov/AHBurnPitRegistry/</li> --> <!-- Dates related to the program --> <span class="programStartDate">1990</span> <span class="programEndDate">2021</span> <!--Conflicts related to the program --> <span class="programConflicts">Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) / Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS)</span> <!--Locations related to the program --> <span class="programLocations">Southwest Asia, South-Central Asia, Africa</span></div> </div> </div> <!--********** End PAGE CONTENT ***********--> <div class="top_link"><a href="#top">return to top <img alt="go" src="/va_files/2014/responsive/images/arrow_up.png" width="7" height="10"></a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div 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