The registry is a database of health information that will help the Department of Veterans Affairs collect, analyze, and publish data on health conditions that may be related to environmental exposures experienced during deployment.

In June 2014, Public Law 112-260, as described in the Federal Register, mandated VA create an Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. The requirement was established to help put data to work for service members and veterans through research about potential health effects of burn pit exposure and other airborne hazards.

Airborne hazards can be any number of airborne environmental contaminants that may cause short- and long-term health effects to exposed individuals. Examples of airborne hazards include burn pit smoke, oil well fire smoke, sand, dust, and particulate matter.

DOD defines an open burn pit as an area of land used for the open-air combustion of trash and other solid waste products. The use of open burn pits, or open-air burn pits, was a common waste disposal practice at military sites outside of the U.S. such as in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Service members contact your local military hospital or clinic to schedule an appointment. Veterans and inactive/separated National Guard members and Reservists may contact their local VA Environmental Health Coordinator to schedule an appointment.

If you are experiencing any urgent symptoms, you should go to the nearest emergency room, call 911, or contact your primary care manager for instructions.

Yes. The Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry was developed by VA for both service members and veterans. While the registry is owned and managed by VA, DOD works closely with VA to support ongoing exposure research and policy.