Are burn pits this generation of veterans' Agent Orange? Vets pushing for a new registry want to find out.
A study released this week that examined the health effects of burn pits on American troops recommended the creation of an ongoing registry of patients who believe their medical problems are connected to the pits. Two lawmakers are introducing legislation today that would create such a registry, according to the Stars and Stripes.
The companion measures by Republican Congressman Todd Akin of Missouri and Democratic Senator Tom Udall would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a burn pit registry as a means to keep track of illnesses that could be caused by the pits.
Both the military and military contractors used the burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan to destroy sometimes toxic materials like diesel engines and human waste.
A Corpus Christi, Texas couple is lobbying for passage of the legislation. Local TV station KZTV has more:
