Testimony Regarding Burn Pirs for Jack Langan
Exposure to Burn Pits was a significant concern for our soldiers stationed in Vietnam. The routine burning of human waste and medical waste in open pits or barrels exposed service members to harmful fumes and toxic substances. These practices were a daily occurrence and created hazardous conditions that affected the air quality around the bases.
One of the most dreaded duties for Jack T. Langan returning from the jungle was managing the burn pits. This involved standing over the burning waste mixed with diesel fuel or JP eight aircraft fuel igniting and stirring it to ensure complete combustion, and breathing in the thick, acrid smoke. The smell of burning waste permeated the entire fire base and lingered well into the night-a memory that many veterans cannot forget. Exposure to these fumes was a daily reality for those stationed at the bases. Burn Barrels were a common sight across South Vietnam’s fire bases. Soldiers rotated between field assignments and base defense, with responsibilities that included not only tasks such as kitchen patrol, cleaning and burning waste. The cumulative exposure to burn pit smoke has had lasting effects on many veterans , contributing to both physical and mental health issues long after their service ended.
During the Vietnam War, fire bases routinely disposed of human waste and medical waste by burning it in open barrels using JP or diesel fuel. This practice eleased a vriety of hazardous pollutants into the air, including particulate matter and known carcinogens. Contrary to the common misconception that burn pit exposure is a concern only for post 9-11 veterans, soldiers stationed at Vietnam fire bases were also regularly exposed to these dangerous emissions.
