Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Abstract Objective Do the 3.5 million US veterans, who primarily utilize private healthcare, have similar burn pit exposure and disease compared to the VA Burn Pit registry. Methods Online volunteer survey of Gulf War and Post-9/11 veterans. Results Burn pit exposure had significantly higher odds of extremity numbness, aching pain and burning, asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, constrictive bronchiolitis, pleuritis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Chi-square did not reveal a difference in burn pit exposure and cancer diagnoses. Conclusions These data demonstrate increased risk of neurological symptoms associated with burn pit exposure, that are not covered in the 2022 federal Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. Additional data will allow for the continued review and consideration for future medical benefits.
Conti et al. (Wed,) studied this question.