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Afghanistan War Exposures

Afghanistan War and related deployments (Oct. 7, 2001 - August 30, 2021)

Veterans who served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS), or related operations may have been exposed to a range of environmental and chemical hazards that carried potential health risks. Learn more about the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. 

Dust surrounding a group of paratroopersSand, Dust and Particulates
Tiny airborne matter that can cause respiratory and other health problems

Silhouette of a soldier in front of the bright sunInfectious Diseases
Nine infectious diseases associated with Southwest Asia and Afghanistan military service

Pits left from roadside bombToxic Embedded Fragments
Shrapnel and other metals that remain in the body after injury

Head scansTraumatic Brain Injury
Concussions and brain injury often caused by explosions

Hand holding a foil blister pack with small white pillsMefloquine - Lariam®
Round, white pill taken to prevent and treat malaria

Soldiers marching through snowCold Injuries
Possible health problems from cold, mountainous climate

Smoke rising from a burn pitBurn Pits
Open-air pit waste disposal at military sites

Side of tank in IraqDepleted Uranium
Uranium used in military tank armor and some bullets

Servicemen are covering their ears to shield them from the noise of a blastNoise
Harmful sounds from guns, equipment, and machinery that is often experienced during service

Dog snout with teeth showingRabies
Disease transmitted by bite or saliva from an infected warm-blooded animal

Silhouette of a soldier on a truck in front of the bright sunHeat Injuries
Health problems that could be caused by extremely hot temperatures

Man wearing workplace safety gearOccupational Hazards
Exposures from working with chemicals, paints, and machinery during service

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