The US military’s toxic exposure problem is far bigger than just ‘burn pits’
The dialogue around toxic exposure should be evidence-based, relevant, solution-focused, and preventative.
By Keith Dow | Published Nov 3, 2021 1:53 PM
Voices Opinion
For years, images of service members heaving military waste into smoldering craters have been paired with stories about burn pits and illness. This repetitive combination of words and pictures inadvertently misleads the public, veterans, and service members to believe that chronic illnesses and terminal cancers are solely caused by burn pit exposure in combat zones.
There is no doubt that inhaling these acrid fumes is dangerous, but “burn pits” are only a small fraction of the exposures to toxins our military service members face. This misinformation hinders the conversation about toxic exposure and, worse, confuses those that have served regarding their potential exposures and related health risks. Here is the reality:
Burn pits are not the exclusive source of military toxic exposures. Inhalation exposures are not the only route of exposure. Deploying to a combat zone is not a requisite for exposure to toxins.
During one’s military career, regardless of time, grade, or job specificity, a service member will inevitably experience multiple exposures to various toxic substances (fuel, chemical, exhaust, ammunition, explosives, etc), and these exposures impact the human body in a multifactorial way. The specificity and volume are dictated by military occupational specialty and time in service, but servicemembers will ultimately be exposed to toxins whether they are turning wrenches in a motor pool or kicking doors in a combat zone. The risk of exposure is inherent to military service and accepted within the culture of perseverance and (i.e., chronic stress, inadequate sleep, environmental conditions), but understanding the sporadic nature of toxic exposure and its impact will help to proactively identify and mitigate risk. Normalizing this practice is essential for optimal wellness and health longevity of the servicemember.
https://taskandpurpose.com/opinion/us-military-toxic-exposure-burn-pits/
