Summary of key points
Many veterans returning from service in the Middle East and other regions face a hidden enemy. During deployment, they are often exposed to various toxins. These harmful substances can remain in their bodies for years. In August 2023, the American Journal of Nursing reported that over 4 million veterans had been screened for toxic exposures. Approximately 43% of these veterans identified at least one potential exposure. This significant finding underscores the widespread impact of toxic substances on veterans’ health. Over time, this exposure can lead to numerous health issues. Veterans may suffer from conditions that are difficult to diagnose and treat. The lingering effects of these toxins pose a significant health risk long after their service has ended. In this article, we’ll explore the health concerns surrounding different toxins in the military.
The Radioactive Threat of Depleted Uranium
Depleted uranium (DU) is a dense metal used in weaponry for its armor-piercing capabilities. While less radioactive than natural uranium, DU exposure can still pose health risks.
VA highlights that the U.S. military first used depleted uranium (DU) on a large scale during the Gulf War. It is used for tank armor and some bullets because its high density helps it penetrate enemy armored vehicles. DU retains the same chemical toxicity as natural uranium despite being depleted of about 40% of its radioactivity.
If inhaled or ingested, DU particles can become lodged in the lungs and kidneys, causing internal radiation exposure and potential organ damage. Veterans who served in conflicts where DU munitions were used, particularly those involved in vehicle combat, may be at an increased risk.Â
Studies are ongoing to determine the long-term health effects of DU exposure. Meanwhile, some veterans have reported experiencing chronic fatigue, respiratory problems, and even kidney problems.
PFAS or Forever Chemicals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial and military applications. These substances are known as “forever chemicals” because of how persistent they are in both the environment and the human body.
Vox states that between 98 and 99% of humans have PFAS in their blood. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, immune system dysfunction, and developmental problems in children. Veterans who served near firefighting training sites or used PFAS-treated equipment, like fire retardant gear, may have been exposed.Â
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Firefighting foam, particularly aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), is another source of PFAS exposure for veterans. AFFF is highly effective in extinguishing fuel fires, but it also contains PFAS chemicals that can leach into the soil and water. Veterans who participated in firefighting training exercises or served at airfields where AFFF was used may have been exposed to PFAS.
Navy personnel and Air Force personnel are among the most affected groups, as they frequently engage in firefighting drills and operations involving AFFF. Additionally, PFAS exposure isn’t limited to those directly involved in firefighting. It can also affect support staff and other personnel present in areas where these chemicals were used.
The Legal Battle Against AFFF
TruLaw has highlighted that health concerns related to AFFF exposure have triggered numerous lawsuits against firefighting foam manufacturers. These legal actions reflect growing efforts to address the health impacts allegedly caused by exposure to AFFF chemicals. Manufacturers of the foam such as 3M are facing increasing criticism and legal challenges due to these health concerns.
The AFFF lawsuit by Navy personnel and other military branches has been filed across various jurisdictions. These claims allege that exposure to AFFF has led to serious health issues among service members.
As per Lawsuit Legal News, Judge Richard Gergel consolidated these lawsuits into a single multidistrict litigation (MDL) in 2023. This aims to streamline the legal process and ensure consistent rulings on the science linking AFFF exposure to health problems. As of June 2024, there are 8,400 lawsuits active and pending in the litigation in the District Court of South Carolina.
Agent Orange and Other Herbicides
The defoliant Agent Orange, used extensively during the Vietnam War, has been linked to a range of health problems in veterans. These problems include various cancers, birth defects in children of exposed veterans, and neurological issues like Parkinson’s disease.Â
The use of other herbicides like Agent Purple also raises health concerns for veterans who served in Vietnam. Agent Orange contains a contaminant called dioxin, which is a potent carcinogen. The legacy of Agent Orange exposure continues to impact veterans’ health, and research is ongoing to fully understand the health consequences.
FAQs
What does depleted uranium do to the human body?
Depleted uranium can pose health risks through inhalation or ingestion of dust or debris. It primarily affects the kidneys, and long-term exposure may lead to kidney damage or other renal issues. Its radioactivity is low but chemical toxicity remains a concern.
What happens if you consume PFAS?
Ingesting PFAS can lead to health problems such as liver damage, immune system disruption, and developmental issues. These chemicals are persistent in the body and the environment, raising concerns about long-term health impacts from even low levels of exposure.
Who was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam?
During the Vietnam War, U.S. military personnel, Vietnamese civilians, and Vietnamese soldiers were exposed to Agent Orange. This defoliant, containing dioxin, was used extensively to clear vegetation but has since been linked to various health problems, including cancer.
Veterans face a significant health burden due to exposure to various toxins during their service. While depleted uranium poses potential internal radiation exposure, PFAS raises concerns about long-term health effects due to their persistence in the body.Â
The legal battle against AFFF highlights efforts to hold manufacturers accountable for potential health risks. Agent Orange’s legacy continues to cast a shadow, as veterans grapple with its lasting health consequences. These cases underscore the need for ongoing research to understand the full range of health problems caused by toxic exposure in the military.