FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reps. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Ryan Costello (R-PA), and Betty McCollum (D-MN) today announced the introduction of H.R. 1279, the
Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act.
Burn pits are areas on military bases where waste,
such as human waste, batteries, and other garbage, is incinerated and
toxic fumes are released into the atmosphere. The
Helping Veterans Exposed to Burn Pits Act would create a center
of excellence within the Department of Veterans Affairs in the
prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of
health conditions related to exposure to burn pits. Rep.
Peter King (R-NY) is also a cosponsor of the legislation.
“I’ve heard from veterans throughout Connecticut
who are suffering – or know other service members suffering – from
serious health complications that were likely caused by burn pits,”
Esty said. “The courageous men and women of our military
who endure environmental hazards and risk their long-term health on our
nation’s behalf deserve the very best health care. We cannot repeat our
shameful inaction after the Vietnam War, when
the government failed to acknowledge the terrible toll of Agent Orange.
By passing this bill, we can significantly improve the quality of the
care for veterans who have been exposed to burn pits, and help them to
live longer, healthier lives.”
“The men and women who dedicate their lives to
protecting our country must be able to access care for their health
needs when they return home,”
Costello said. “By establishing a center of excellence
within the Department of Veterans Affairs, this bill is an important
step forward in providing critical services for veterans facing health
issues from burn pits.”
Military personnel
serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are exposed to a variety of potentially
harmful substances including the smoke produced from the burning of
waste on military bases. Items such as plastics,
aerosol cans, electronic equipment, human waste, metal containers,
tires, and batteries are thrown into open pits, sometimes doused with
jet fuel, and set ablaze. Smoke from these open-air burn pits can waft
throughout the entire base and even into living
areas.
“Burn pits are the ticking time bomb in this generation of combat veterans,”
said Lt. Col. Michael. J Zacchea (ret), a Brookfield, CT Marine
Corps veteran and the Program Manager at the Entrepreneur Bootcamp for
Veterans.
“This is a major health issue which will plague more than 4
million veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last
nearly two decades of war.”
Health effects from exposure to chemicals found in
burn pits can include cancer, neurological and reproductive effects,
respiratory toxicity, and cardiovascular toxicity.
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