Public Health
VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
The use of burn pits, area devoted to open-air
combustion of trash, was a common waste
disposal practice at military sites outside the
United States, such as in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Health and Medicine Division (HMD), formerly known as the Institute of Medicine, of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the Academies) will release a new report later this year on the VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. The report will include recommendations on collecting, maintaining, and monitoring information collected by the registry. The Academies are private, nonprofit institutions that provide analysis and advice, and operate under a congressional charter.
For more information and to read other reports, visit www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/reports.asp.
Make an Impact. Join the Burn Pit Registry.
Participation in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry has increased by more than 12,000 since March. As of August 21, 2016, the total number of participants was 85,566.
Unfortunately, total participation still only represents a fraction of the estimated eligible population of 3.5 million. Participating in the registry can create a snapshot of your health from which to measure changes over time. You can discuss your questionnaire with a knowledgeable health care provider during a free, optional registry evaluation.
Participation also helps VA better understand the effects of environmental exposures on health, leading to improved health care for all Veterans. Make an impact and help yourself and your fellow Veterans by joining the Burn Pit Registry. Learn more about the registry and how to sign up: www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/burnpits/registry.asp.
