While the Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges “toxins” are present in burn pit smoke, the agency maintains most health effects are “temporary” and go away on their own once a person is no longer exposed.

(Courtesy: Left: Daniel Brewer. Right: Dept. of Veterans Affairs)

The types of materials tossed into military burn pits include, but are not limited to, chemicals, paint, medical and human waste, and plastics, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(Courtesy: Ryan Conklin)