Military vets exposed to burn pits can sign up for registry

Washington – The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a registry to track the health of veterans exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards in recent military operations, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Burn pits contain waste products such as chemicals, paint, medical and human waste, metal, plastic, rubber, and wood.

Through an online questionnaire, eligible service members and veterans can report exposures to airborne hazards, including smoke from burn pits, oil-well fires and pollution, during their deployment. The questionnaire takes about 40 minutes to complete, according to VA.

After completion of the questionnaire, a veteran may request a free medical exam.