A growing number of US troops stationed overseas are raising concerns about their exposure to toxic burn pits. Among these soldiers are members of Houstons 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, roughly 3,000 of who were sent to carry out missions for nine months in Iraq. At Camp Taji, which is just north of Baghdad, many of these brave Texan soldiers are concerned about their health. Open-air burn pits release so much ash, smoke, and other debris that they have been compared to a heavy snowfall.
These burn pits are used to dispose of garbage and debris, with each pit consuming as much as 120 tons of garbage per day. The ash hovers over like a blanket, said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Ethier. After it rains, youll get puddles of stuff. Its like a yellowish, brackish color. It looks metallic. Its just disgusting.
Soldiers at Camp Taji complain of migraines, breathing problems, sore throats, irritated eyes and skin rashes. Lawsuits related to the operation of similar pits in the area allege contractors and others dumped a human arm, other body parts, batteries, tires, asbestos and a variety of toxics into burn pits. All these items can cause serious health problems. Asbestos-laden materials are most dangerous when they become airborne. Inhaling or ingesting airborne asbestos particles can lead to the development of mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer that can kill within months of being diagnosed.
The burn pit at Camp Taji is operated by KBR, a company that operates many pits throughout Iraq and one in Afghanistan. According to one company official, KBR operates burn pits in accordance with guidelines approved by the Army. Further, it is the Army that also decides where on base to locate the living and working facilities for base personnel.
US soldiers in Iraq charged with filming women BAGHDAD (AP) - The U.S. military in Iraq says two soldiers have been charged with filming and photographing female members of their unit while they were taking showers and then distributing the video... |
US committed to Iraq withdrawal, says Biden Baghdad, July 5 (DPA) US Vice President Joe Biden Saturday said the United States was committed to withdrawing its soldiers from Iraq by the end of 2011.Speaking from Baghdad on US Independence Day,... |
UK Army chief: More troops needed in Afghanistan LONDON (AP) - Britain's army chief said Wednesday that more troops are needed in Afghanistan's volatile southern province of Helmand as soldiers pursue a bloody campaign to uproot Taliban fighters... |
Spanish court drops charges against US soldiers MADRID (AP) - A Spanish court on Tuesday threw out charges against three U.S. soldiers in the death of a Spanish journalist in Iraq six years ago and recommended the case be closed.
The National Court... |
Spanish court drops charges against 3 US soldiers MADRID (AP) - A Spanish court has thrown out charges against three U.S. soldiers in the death of a Spanish journalist in Iraq and recommends the case be closed.
The National Court said Tuesday investigative... |
Photos from Nintendo’s Interactive Fossil Fighters Launch Event Are Available on Business Wire’s Web Site and AP PhotoExpress .. Two photos from Nintendo's Interactive Fossil Fighters Launch Event are available on Business Wire's web site and AP PhotoExpress.Photo one:Eric S., (right) 8, assists his brother Ethan, 6, both... |
