Veterans who were deployed to the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and other dusty environments were often exposed to sand, dust, pollution and other airborne particles.
Larger particles such as sand may become trapped in the nose and throat but can be expelled by coughing or sneezing.
Very small, fine particles (particulates) may cause more serious health problems because they can be inhaled deep into the lungs and airways. These extremely small particles and liquid droplets can include acids, chemicals, metals, soil or dust.
Responding to concerns of many returning Veterans, VA will continue to study the health risks of pollution in Iraq and Afghanistan, including burn pit smoke, and establish a burn pit registry for eligible Veterans. Learn more about VA's plan.
Health concerns?
If you are concerned about your exposure to sand, dust or particulates, talk to your health care provider or local VA Environmental Health Coordinator.
VA health care is available to all combat Veterans for conditions possibly related to service for five years after discharge. Not enrolled in the VA health care system? Apply online.
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom or New Dawn? Free Gulf War Registry exams are available regardless of the number of years after deployment. You don’t need to enroll in VA health care to take part. This is a different registry from the planned burn pit registry.
Particulate matter pollution in Iraq and Afghanistan
Although particulate matter (PM) emissions from natural and man-made sources are found worldwide, PM levels in Southwest Asia are naturally higher. Primary sources of PM in Southwest Asia include dust storms, vehicle exhaust, construction sites, farming, and emissions from local industries.
The use of burn pits for waste management increased the naturally high concentrations of PM in Iraq and Afghanistan. Air sampling performed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq (the large Balad burn pit operated there and was shut down in 2009) detected increased particulate matter and infrequently some chemicals, which may have been due to the industry in Iraq.
Naval Air Facility in Atsugi, Japan
From 1985 to 2001, personnel at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi in Atsugi, Japan were exposed to environmental contaminants from an off-base waste incinerator. Learn more about the Atsugi waste incinerator chemical emissions and the investigation of health effects.
Health effects of sand, dust and PM exposure
Most studies relate particulate matter (PM) exposure data to respiratory and cardiopulmonary health effects in specific, susceptible groups such as young children, the elderly, and people with existing asthma or cardiopulmonary disease.
Many variables influence the nature and probability of health problems:
- Size of the PM (Smaller particles are considered more harmful because of easier passage through the nose and throat to enter the lungs.)
- Chemical make-up of the PM
- Concentration levels
- Duration of exposure
- Human factors including age, health status, existing medical conditions, and genetics
Symptoms of sand, dust and particulate exposure include irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Other symptoms include cold or flu-like symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Learn more from the Department of Defense. (136 KB, PDF)
Compensation benefits for health problems
Veterans may file a claim for disability compensation for health problems they believe are related to exposure to burn pits during military service. VA decides these claims on a case-by-case basis. File a claim online.
Read Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors to learn more about VA benefits.
Download free viewer and reader software to view PDF, video and other file formats.
Connect with Us
Veterans Health
Related Links
Contact VA
Environmental Health
Coordinators Directory
- Health Care
1-877-222-8387 - Benefits
1-800-827-1000 - TDD (hearing impaired)
1-800-829-4833
