Burn pits increased risk of asthma, heart problems, new DOD data shows
By Leo Shane III
Apr 30, 02:41 PM
Veterans who served at bases with burn pits were more likely to develop asthma, hypertension and heart disease than individuals not exposed to the toxic air, according to a new study based on recently declassified Defense Department data.
The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, tracked nearly 460,000 veterans receiving medical care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Authors said it is the first comprehensive look at health outcomes for U.S. troops deployed at 126 of the largest bases used in Iraq, Afghanistan and nearby countries from 2001 to 2011.
Researchers saw a small but significant increase in rates of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among those former service members.
In particular, individuals who served near burn pits were more likely years later to suffer from asthma, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ischemic stroke.
https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2024/04/30/burn-pits-increased-risk-of-asthma-heart-problems-new-dod-data-shows/
