Thousands of US veterans are suffering from serious health issues and even dying due to exposure to toxins from open-air burn pits used to incinerate refuse on military bases overseas. While this is a deeply concerning issue for service members, it also sheds light on the fact that we all handle similar toxins in our daily lives without thinking about the potential consequences.
From the early days of the US’s military involvement in Afghanistan until around 2009, the Department of Defense allowed military contractors to burn thousands of tons of waste in open-air burn pits on bases. The Government Accountability Office reveals that this unregulated waste disposal practice included the burning of materials like Styrofoam, plastics, tires, pesticide containers, batteries, and medical waste.
Many of the troops exposed to this waste burning are returning home with mysterious bronchial diseases and cancers, leading to a class-action lawsuit against Kellogg, Brown, and Root (KBR), the defense contractor who operated the burn pits. On a broader scale, these same materials, considered safe by federal guidelines, surround us in our daily lives, potentially putting our health at risk as well.
Roundup: An extreme example
Consider the ongoing debate surrounding Monsanto’s Roundup weed and grass killer. Currently banned in 19 European Union countries due to potential dangers to human health, this controversial herbicide continues to be used in the United States, exposing the population to chemicals linked to numerous health problems. These include ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, liver disease, thyroid issues, respiratory illnesses, autoimmune disorders like MS, and various forms of cancer.
Despite the increasing evidence regarding these health concerns, Roundup remains in use in the US, with Monsanto investing heavily in lobbying, legal defense, and maintaining relationships with former government regulators and congressional staffers to ensure their product stays on the “safe” list.
Toxins in everyday life
Unfortunately, Roundup is just one example of the harmful substances we encounter in our lives. Regulatory, government, and industry schemes occur daily, allowing our bodies to be constantly exposed to dangerous chemicals from various sources. For example, just 11% of ingredients in personal care products are tested for safety in the US, while companies can also hide potentially dangerous ingredients under an FDA-approved “trade secret” status.
Moreover, there have been congressional investigations identifying over 125 cosmetic ingredients suspected of causing cancer. This issue extends even further when we consider the chemicals that may be hiding in our kitchens and garages.
Researchers believe that we are close to 99% certain that we are all slowly developing chemical-related health conditions due to the products we use and the environmental toxins to which we are exposed. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid all harmful chemicals in our daily lives, we can work to reverse some toxic build-up by regularly adopting cleansing and detoxification practices that can help flush out these harmful substances from our bodies.
