A Look at the History of Burn Pit Use & Asbestos Exposure

New burn pit legislation will help compensate many veterans’ asbestos-related illnesses.

On March 3, 2022, the United States House of Representatives passed the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. With the new legislation in place, military veterans would be eligible for compensation and free treatment of health conditions that developed as a result of their time in the service. The bill then passed the Senate by an 84-14 vote in June, and President Joe Biden vowed to sign it when it reached his desk. This seemed very promising for veterans and their families.

However, just this month, after technical errors were addressed in the original measure, it was sent back to the Senate, and in round two, Senate Republicans opted to block it. They cited concerns over how the money would be allocated. Democrats were furious, and publicly stated that more veterans will die as a result.

The future of the PACT Act is unknown. The measure is expected to eventually pass—it’s only a matter of time. But, unfortunately, time is not something that many suffering vets have.

Although now back at home, vets continue to live the horrors of war, once again fighting for their lives after being routinely exposed to asbestos and other harmful substances. One of the most common means of exposure was the use of burn pits. What are burn pits, exactly, and why the need for treatment?

Does the PACT Act Specifically Cover Asbestos?

The short answer is, ‘Yes.’ Because asbestos is a known toxin and the act covers exposure to toxins, asbestos made the list. It has been found in burn pit debris and, while the U.S. banned the use of asbestos in the late-‘80s, overseas there is far less regulation on its use and how to properly discard it. Because of this, burn pits haven’t been the only sources of asbestos exposure in the military. It was also frequently used in constructing ships, tanks, trucks, aircraft, barracks, and other structures.

Health research has found many connections between asbestos-related diseases and asbestos exposure while in military service.

A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Radiation Biology found that mesothelioma deaths are the highest amongst those who served in the navy. This is because asbestos was used in multiple areas of ships, inside and out. Marines, according to the same study, were most susceptible to exposure in armored vehicles. And, while the places of exposure varied, in the end, all branches have been impacted.

Compensation for asbestos-related illnesses caused by burn pits while in military service

Asbestos exposure compensation is currently available through the VA. But some have complained that their claims have been denied over the years. The PACT Act, if signed into law, would make it easier to receive funds and treatment due to the addition of presumptive conditions.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms discussed in this article and aren’t sure whether or not you’ve been exposed to asbestos, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor as soon as possible. Other common symptoms of asbestos-related conditions include:

• Fluid buildup in the lungs
• Abdominal swelling
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Loss of appetite
• Clubbed or rounded fingers
• Unexpected or unexplained weight loss

Your healthcare provider will be able to run tests to determine if you’ve been exposed. Unfortunately, symptoms of asbestos exposure can take years to surface—even decades. The sooner you catch an asbestos-related disease, the easier it will be to treat, and it’ll be more likely that treatment will be successful.

Fighting asbestos-related diseases can be expensive. If you are a service member and your provider determines you’ve been exposed, you have every right to take advantage of federal funding. File a claim online or have a legal professional walk you through the process.