Burn Pit Injuries

Burn Pit Injuries
Under Defense Base Act

Burn pits are well-known within the military community. They have become even more popular in the past few years as their dangers become more publicized. According to the Department of Defense, as many as 3.5 million troops from recent wars may have experienced health problems due to the dangers of these burn pits.

 So, what is a burn pit, and why is it so dangerous? A burn pit is a large area devoted to burning “trash.” Burn pits were operated at many military bases in the Middle East. They have exposed soldiers and defense contractors to toxic smoke and fumes, causing many health issues. Many workers have complained of breathing difficulties, headaches, and other issues.

All sorts of waste can be found in burn pits, including:

  • Paint
  • Petroleum
  • Lubricant products
  • Chemicals
  • Medical waste
  • Human waste
  • Food waste
  • Aluminum and metal cans
  • Munitions and unexploded ordnance
  • Plastics
  • Wood
  • Electronics

Burning these items creates smoke that may cause irritation to your eyes, throat, and lungs. Many people now suffer from long-term health conditions due to persistent exposure to toxic fumes. While the Department of Defense has not formally banned burn pits since they help get rid of waste, troops have scaled back on their use.

Have you been affected by burn pits? The Defense Base Act covers any losses you may have incurred due to disease or illness that originated from burn pits. As a federal contractor, your claim can include medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

Where Were the
Burn Pits Located?

The burn pits are located on the U.S. military base in various parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Some common locations include:

  • Abu-Ghraib Prison, Iraq
  • Al Asad Air Base, Iraq
  • Al Quo, Iraq
  • Al Taqaddum (Ridgeway), Iraq
  • Ali Air Base (formerly Talil Air Base), Iraq
  • Al-Sahra a.k.a. Camp Speicher, Iraq
  • Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), Iraq
  • Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan
  • Balad Air Base, Iraq
  • Baqubah (FOB) (Warhorse), Iraq
  • Cap Adder, Talil Airbase, Iraq
  • Camp Al Taji, Iraq
  • Camp Anderson, Iraq
  • Camp Ar Ramadi, Iraq
  • Camp Arifjan, Kuwait (Camden Yards)
  • Camp Bastion, Afghanistan
  • Camp Bucca, Iraq
  • Camp Cedar, Iraq
  • Camp Chesty, Iraq
  • Camp Courage, Moul, Iraq
  • Camp Cropper, Iraq,
  • Camp (FOB) Delta, Al Kut, Iraq
  • Camp Echo, Diwaynia, Iraq
  • Camp Geiger, Iraq
  • Camp Liberty, Iraq
  • Camp Loyalty, Iraq
  • Camp or LSA Anaconda, Iraq
  • Camp Pennsylvania, Kuwait
  • Camp Ridgeway, Iraq
  • Camp Rustamiyah, Iraq
  • Camp Scania, Iraq
  • Camp Shield, Baghdad, Iraq
  • Camp Speicher, Iraq
  • Camp Stryker, Iraq
  • Camp Victory, Iraq
  • Diwaynia, Iraq
  • Djibouti, Africa
  • Doha, Qatar
  • Fallujah, Iraq
  • FOB Caldwell, Iraq
  • FOB Endurance, Iraq
  • FOB Fenty, Afghanistan
  • FOB Freedom, Iraq
  • FOB Gabe, Iraq
  • FOB Marez, Iraq
  • FOB McHenry, Iraq
  • FOB Orgun-East, Afghanistan
  • FOB Salerno, Afghanistan
  • FOB Sharana, Afghanistan
  • FOB Summerall, Iraq
  • FOB Sykes, Iraq
  • FOB Warrior, Iraq
  • Green Zone or International Zone, Iraq
  • Jalalabad, Afghanistan
  • Kabul, Afghanistan
  • Kalsu, Iraq
  • Kandahar, Afghanistan
  • Kirkuk, Iraq
  • Kut Hayy Airbase, Iraq
  • Mosul, Iraq
  • Navstar, Iraq
  • Q-West, Qayyarah Airfield West/Saddam Air Base, Iraq
  • Scania, Iraq
  • Taki, Iraq
  • Talil Air Base, Iraq

What Illnesses are Caused by Burn Pit Exposure?

Troops as well as overseas civilian workers who breathed toxic burn pit fumes would routinely experience blinding tears, runny nose, sore throat, and coughing. Years later, after returning home, many of these employees began to develop severe respiratory problems such as asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis. Some have even developed various forms of cancer, such as:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx
  • Squamous cell carcinoma of the trachea
  • Adenocarcinoma of the trachea
  • Salivary gland-type tumors of the trachea
  • Adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung
  • Large cell carcinoma of the lung
  • Salivary gland-type tumors of the lung
  • Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung
  • Typical and atypical carcinoid of the lung

Contact Us Today

Harmful chemicals and substances from burn pits can leave people fighting for their lives. You can get all the information about your burn pit claim with the right Defense Base Act attorney. 

The team at BRILL & RINALDI, The Law Firm, can help you collect evidence that will strengthen your case. As personal injury lawyers, we have seen firsthand how exposure to harmful chemicals and substances can leave people fighting for their lives. With the help of an experienced burn pit cancer lawyer, you may be able to recover the value of your damages in a burn pit injury claim. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (954) 876-4344.