burn pits

Thousands of American military veterans have come back from service in the Middle East the last three decades with respiratory problems, possibly related to the use of burn pits, according to veterans and researchers.

Tens of thousands of veterans and service members stationed at military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan say exposure to trash fires or “burn pits” has left them with breathing problems and other chronic illnesses, including cancer. They are fighting for health benefits, but say the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is turning its back on them. Veterans say everything...