Concerned about airborne hazard exposures? | va miami health care | veterans affairs

For Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, or other areas of Southwest Asia, exposure to airborne hazards like burn pits might be a serious concern. Even if you don’t think you were

exposed to a specific hazard, you can take steps to proactively monitor your own health and help other Veterans. Understanding the science of airborne hazard exposures We all interact with

thousands of substances in our daily lives. Some substances are only harmful if they get into our bodies in large quantities. Others are toxic even in the smallest amounts. Determining

whether potentially harmful substances have a negative impact on our health requires understanding the amount, frequency, and intensity of the exposure. How an exposure occurred – whether it

was ingested, inhaled or touched your skin – can also be a factor. Because people rarely stay in one place, do just one job or engage in the same activities throughout their lives, it can

be hard to determine with certainty that exposure to any one substance or source directly causes a given health condition. This is also true of exposure to airborne hazards. Many health

conditions related to these hazards are temporary and should disappear after the exposure ends. Other longer-term issues may be caused by a combination of hazardous exposures, injuries or

illnesses, including: •The smoke and fumes from burn pits. •Fuel, aircraft exhaust, and other mechanical fumes. •Sand, dust, and particulate matter. •General air pollution common in certain

countries. •Fuel, aircraft exhaust, and other mechanical fumes. •Smoke from oil well fires. •Blast or noise injuries. Join the registry today VA established the Airborne Hazards and Open

Burn Pit Registry in 2014 to put data to work for Veterans and help us better understand the potential health effects of these exposures. By joining the registry, you can provide information

that supports ongoing research and helps VA provide better care to all Veterans. It can also help you identify health concerns, discuss them with your provider and get follow-up care. You

can even submit a copy of your registry questionnaire to support your VA claim if you choose. We also encourage all Veterans concerned about toxic exposures during their military service to

talk to their health care provider, apply for VA health care, and file a claim for compensation and benefits. Once enrolled, your VA care team will work with you to understand your health

concerns and connect you with the care and services you need to get – and stay – healthy. Sign up. Get care. Help others. Learn more and contact your care team today!