U.S. Troops in Iraq Potentially Exposed To Toxic And Radioactive Materials

Bright orange flames against a dark background.

U.S. troops’ toxic exposure in Iraq sparks allegations of a cover-up and demands for a thorough investigation, echoing past controversies surrounding Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.

At a Glance

Reports suggest U.S. troops in Iraq may have been exposed to toxic and potentially radioactive elements following Iran’s retaliatory strikes in 2020.
The situation draws parallels to the Gulf War Illness (GWI) affecting up to 250,000 veterans from the 1991 Gulf War.
Accusations mount against the Biden-Harris administration for alleged failure to address the issue adequately.
There are increasing calls for Congress to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The controversy echoes past issues with Agent Orange exposure among Vietnam War veterans.

A History of Toxic Exposure in the Military

The recent allegations of toxic exposure among U.S. troops in Iraq are not without precedent. For decades, American servicemen and women have faced the consequences of exposure to various harmful substances during their deployments. The Gulf War of 1991 stands as a stark example of this ongoing issue.

Research has shown that exposure to pesticides and other toxins caused Gulf War Illness (GWI) in veterans who served during Operation Desert Storm. This debilitating condition affects up to 250,000 of the 700,000 U.S. troops deployed in that conflict. The illness has been linked to exposure to various substances, including pesticides, pyridostigmine bromide (PB), nerve-gas agents sarin and cyclosarin, and oil well fire emissions.

The Devastating Impact of Gulf War Illness

Gulf War Illness results in severe neurological and immune system damage, including neuroendocrine and immune dysregulation, and reduced brain matter. Veterans suffering from GWI experience a range of symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life, including fatigue, joint and muscle pain, headaches, memory problems, gastrointestinal distress, and skin rashes.

Despite the passage of time, effective treatments for GWI have remained elusive. However, recent research efforts have shown promising leads, offering a glimmer of hope for affected veterans. A 2008 report confirmed GWI as a distinct disorder, urging further research into its causes and treatments.

Challenges in Recognition and Treatment

Veterans face significant challenges in receiving adequate healthcare and recognition from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for their toxic exposure-related illnesses. The VA has been accused of denying most Gulf War veterans’ claims and dismissing their symptoms as psychological, despite scientific evidence to the contrary.

“Unfortunately, VA continues to deny most Gulf War veterans’ claims. We have a little saying about that—’delay, deny, wait until we die’ before they’re approved,” Gulf War veteran Anthony Hardie says.

Jim Binns, a Vietnam War veteran who chaired a committee investigating the issue, claims that government research efforts have focused on covering up the problem rather than addressing it. This situation draws disturbing parallels to the government’s handling of Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War, where recognition and compensation for affected veterans were delayed for decades.

A Continuing Problem: Recent Toxic Exposures

The issue of toxic exposure is not confined to past conflicts. Recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan have exposed a new generation of servicemembers to harmful substances, particularly through the use of burn pits. These open-air waste disposal areas have been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems and cancer.

“Toxic wounds have—in all the recent wars, the wars of our memory—been the major health problem. More veterans suffer from them than from exposure to bombs and bullets,” Binns says. “The government consistently has refused to recognize these problems. They deny today 80% of Gulf War claims and burn pits claims.”

The gravity of this issue has been highlighted by President Biden himself, who has linked his son Beau Biden’s death from brain cancer to burn pit exposure during his military service in Iraq. This personal connection to the issue has raised hopes among veterans’ advocates for increased attention and action on toxic exposures.

Calls for Action and Accountability

As concerns about troop safety continue to grow, there is increasing pressure on Congress to launch a thorough investigation into toxic exposures, both past and present. Advocates argue that such an investigation could lead to positive changes in how the government addresses these issues, potentially improving care and compensation for affected veterans.

“It would be such a positive step for the government to take to become advocates and helpers of these heroes who have given their lives to their country, but their country refuses to care for them,” Binns says.

As the situation unfolds, the work of investigative journalists like Catherine Herridge continues to bring attention to these allegations of a cover-up. Their efforts, combined with the voices of veterans and their advocates, may finally compel the government to take meaningful action on this critical issue affecting the health and well-being of those who have served our nation.