Memorial Day is a time to reflect upon the courageous sacrifices made by the men and women who lost their lives protecting the freedoms we hold dear. This year, we should not forget the thousands of veterans who face a different kind of battle — against exposure to toxic chemicals that have created lasting and sometimes fatal health consequences.
Throughout history, service members have been exposed to a myriad of hazardous substances while serving their country, including jet fuel, solvents and asbestos, Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, and burn pits in the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These exposures, often occurring in war zones, in military installations and on ships, have had detrimental effects on veterans’ health, leading to severe illnesses, disabilities and premature death.