For those exposed to the burn pits

I've written before about the burn pit at Balad. It is used to dispose of solid waste at the base. There have been recent improvements such as high-temperature incinerators, plasics recycling, and trench-burning have made improvements, but the response has been sluggish for this and other burn pits in the AOR.

For those who have been exposed to the burn pits, or are concerned, here is recent information available at Military Times:

Article on particulate matter at FOB Hammer:

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/11/military_burnpit_chemicals_111908w/

Video featuring the experience of one troop from Balad:

http://gannett.a.mms.mavenapps.net/mms/rt/1/site/gannett-militarypubs-21772-pub01-live/current/launch.html?maven_playerId=testplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=7e5e9a6875cc4dde06f37f371c765442fc5e6538&maven_referralObject=922675119


(video:)




Written troop accounts.

http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2008/11/army_burnpit_letters_111708w/

If you are a veteran experiencing unexplained pulmonary symptoms, sleep disturbance, or headaches, I urge you to get yourself checked out.

Stay well,

Chris