Uncovering the Hidden Health Impacts of Military Service
As veterans, we have made immense sacrifices to serve our country. While the physical and mental demands of military life are well-documented, one lesser-known health risk has emerged in recent years – the potential link between exposure to open burn pits and the development of debilitating headache disorders, including migraine.
At Café Mila, we believe in nourishing the whole person, from the food we serve to the insights we share. That’s why we’re dedicating this article to exploring the growing body of research on this critical issue, empowering our community with knowledge and resources to address these hidden health challenges.
The Toxic Toll of Burn Pit Exposure
During military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other regions, the U.S. military frequently utilized open-air burn pits to dispose of a wide range of waste, including chemicals, plastics, medical waste, and even human remains. The resulting smoke and fumes contained a toxic cocktail of pollutants, from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to volatile organic compounds.
For many service members and veterans, prolonged exposure to these airborne hazards was an unavoidable reality of their deployment. As the Department of Veterans Affairs explains, factors like proximity to the burn pits, duration of exposure, and the specific types of waste being burned all contributed to an individual’s level of risk.
A Dose-Dependent Connection to Headaches
Recent groundbreaking research has shed light on the troubling connection between open burn pit exposure and the development of new-onset headache disorders, including migraine. In a large-scale cohort study published in the JAMA Network Open, researchers examined data from nearly 250,000 veterans who had participated in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.
The findings were clear: veterans with the highest levels of burn pit exposure – those who were stationed near the pits and had direct duties related to their operation – had a 60% increased likelihood of being diagnosed with a headache disorder or migraine, compared to those without any exposure. Moreover, the risk rose in a dose-dependent manner, with the two highest quartiles of cumulative exposure (290-448 days and over 448 days) showing the greatest increases in odds.
“If you are working right beside an open burn pit, you’re going to be exposed to a wider variety of chemicals than you would in more general air pollution studies, and it’s going to be a lot more intense. So it makes sense that there’s a stronger association,” explains Andrea Portt, a PhD candidate whose research focuses on the link between air pollution and migraine.
Beyond the Diagnosis: The Burden of Disabling Migraine
The study also examined self-reported disabling migraine, a debilitating form of the condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Here, the findings were even more stark – veterans with the highest burn pit exposure had nearly twice the odds of experiencing this level of migraine-related disability compared to those without any exposure.
This underscores the profound toll that headache disorders can take, not just on an individual’s physical health, but on their overall well-being and ability to function. Migraine, in particular, is characterized by severe, throbbing head pain, as well as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting – symptoms that can be completely debilitating.
Addressing the Invisible Wounds of War
While the physical and psychological impacts of military service are widely recognized, the link between environmental exposures and long-term health conditions is only beginning to be understood. The passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxicities (PACT) Act in 2022 was a crucial step in addressing this issue, expanding healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to open burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.
However, as Andrea Portt notes, there is still more work to be done: “My hope is that this type of work continues and workers’ exposures during deployment continue to be improved in terms of safety and monitoring for other environmental exposures, which I’m sure there will be many remaining.”
Empowering Veterans Through Awareness and Action
At Café Mila, we’re committed to supporting our veteran community and raising awareness about the hidden health impacts of military service. If you or a loved one have been exposed to open burn pits, here are some steps you can take:
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Participate in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry: This valuable registry, established by the Department of Veterans Affairs, allows current and former service members to self-report their exposure and any associated health concerns. Participation is voluntary and can help inform future research and healthcare initiatives.
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Seek Comprehensive Medical Evaluation: The VA encourages all veterans with burn pit or other airborne hazard exposure to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. This can help identify any potential health issues, including headache disorders or migraine, and ensure timely access to appropriate treatment and support.
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File a VA Claim: The PACT Act has expanded healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins. If you believe your headache disorder or migraine is related to your military service, consider filing a claim with the VA to access the care and compensation you deserve.
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Prioritize Self-Care and Wellness: Managing the symptoms of headache disorders and migraine can be challenging, but a holistic approach focused on self-care, stress reduction, and overall well-being can make a significant difference. Explore techniques like mindfulness, relaxation practices, and healthy nutrition to support your mind and body.
By raising awareness, advocating for our veterans, and empowering individuals to take proactive steps, we can work together to address the hidden health impacts of military service and ensure that all who have served receive the care and support they need.
At Café Mila, we’re proud to be a community hub that nourishes both body and mind. We encourage you to visit us, connect with fellow veterans, and explore the ways in which we can support your journey to wellness. Together, we can shed light on these important issues and create a brighter, healthier future for all.
