From the Research
Prolonged exposure to burn pits is not directly associated with an increased risk of heart block, according to the most recent and highest quality study available. The study published in JAMA Network Open in 2024 1 found that deployment to military bases with open burn pits was associated with increased risk of developing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and hypertension, but did not find a significant increase in the risk of heart block or other cardiovascular conditions such as myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, or hemorrhagic stroke.
The evidence suggests that burn pit exposure can cause systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage the cardiovascular system, potentially affecting the heart's electrical conduction system. However, the current research does not provide a direct link between burn pit exposure and heart block. Other studies, such as the one published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2016 2, have found associations between burn pit emissions exposure and higher incidence of post-deployment self-reported respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, but these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations of the study.
It is essential to note that the composition of burn pit emissions can vary depending on the type of waste being burned and the combustion temperature, which can affect the toxicity of the emissions 3. Additionally, the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry has been established to track the health effects of burn pit exposure, and the PACT Act recognizes certain cardiovascular conditions as potentially linked to burn pit exposure 4.
If you have been exposed to burn pits and experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, or fainting, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation immediately. A cardiologist can perform tests like an ECG, Holter monitor, or electrophysiology study to diagnose heart block. While there is no specific medication to reverse potential burn pit damage, treatment would focus on managing the heart block itself, which might include monitoring, medication, or pacemaker implantation depending on severity.
Key points to consider:
- Prolonged exposure to burn pits is associated with increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, but not directly linked to heart block.
- Burn pit emissions can cause systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially damaging the cardiovascular system.
- The composition of burn pit emissions and combustion temperature can affect the toxicity of the emissions.
- Medical evaluation is essential if symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, or fainting occur after burn pit exposure.