The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it plans to study the effects of exposure to toxic substances emanating from burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is growing concern that many of our troops may develop serious health issues as a result of toxic exposure from the waste fed to massive burn pits near military bases in the Persian Gulf.

This study has been prompted by reports of troops serving at Balad Air Force Base in Iraq suffering harmful effects from exposure to hazardous clouds coming from the massive burn pit near the base. Many soldiers have developed a symptom referred to as "Iraqi crud," marked by excessive coughing and black phlegm. Soldiers have also developed respiratory conditions, skin infections, leukemia, and tumors from toxic exposure at the burn pit.

The burn pits at Balad contained waste products from plastics, food, and medical waste, among many other substances. Jet fuel was frequently used to speed up the burning process.

VA has stressed the importance of conducting this study immediately, due to the many long term affects linked to Gulf War Syndrome, a condition experienced by many soldiers serving in the first Iraq War.

Despite the mounting evidence that many of our current troops have put their long term health in jeopardy from toxic exposure to burn pits, the Department of Defense insists that there is no risk of such danger. This assertion seems preposterous, since it is impossible to determine the long term effects of anything before sufficient amounts of time have passed to evaluate these effects.

When troops develop serious injuries or conditions from exposure to toxic substances in the line of duty, the U.S. government has an obligation to provide adequate health care and compensation for damages. It is important to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer if you have developed such a condition in order to ensure that the government is held accountable for their negligent actions.

The attorneys at The Cochran Firm have handled many serious personal injury cases, and we have the size, resources, skills, and experience to help you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If you have developed a serious health condition from toxic exposure in Iraq or Afghanistan, please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a consultation. We serve clients nationwide.