Burn pits: Understanding the problem, identifying solutions

For the 5 million veterans who served overseas in the last couple of decades, burn pit exposure continues to pose a threat to their well-being. Toxic fumes have triggered breathing troubles and other serious health conditions in more than 12,500 veterans between 2007 and 2020. Our guest, Anthony Szema, MD, has worked not only to diagnose and treat these burn pit-related issues, but better understand them through research and advocacy. He recently joined several patients and fellow advocates at the White House to witness the signing of the PACT Act — new legislation that will help veterans suffering from burn pit exposure get treatment.

On this episode, Dr. Szema, who is director of Northwell Health’s International Center of Excellence in Deployment Health and Medical Geosciences, shares his extensive knowledge of burn pits, the impact they've had on his patients, and his experience at the White House. He also shares the recommendations he made to the Senate Armed Services Committee to prevent future exposures.