JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - New legislation could help track the health problems of military veterans exposed to smoke and toxins from burn pits while in Iraq or Afghanistan.
A bill filed Thursday in the U.S. House by Missouri Republican Todd Akin would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a registry for people who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes caused by burn pits. Akin says outdoor fires were used to dispose of trash and human waste, particularly in the earlier years of the wars.
Some veterans who attended a Washington, D.C., news conference hosted by Akin said they have experienced respiratory problems and other health issues that they believe are related to the burn pits.
Democratic Sen. Tom Udall, of New Mexico, plans to file similar legislation.