A Soldier Was Exposed To A Burnpit. This Is What Happened To Her Organs.

Summary

Dr. Bernard discusses the health impacts of military burn pits on veterans like KT, who developed stage 4 breast cancer after exposure. The video raises awareness about the toxins released and the long-term health risks, including cancer. It also touches on the struggle for recognition and support for service-related illnesses, emphasizing the need for further research and assistance for affected military personnel.

Takeaways

• ⚕️ The video discusses the health impacts of exposure to burn pits on military personnel, focusing on the case of KT, a 38-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer.
• 🔥 Burn pits were used in military bases to dispose of waste by burning it with jet fuel, releasing toxic chemicals into the air.
• 🏥 Despite initial skepticism about the health risks, evidence now links exposure to burn pits with long-term health issues, including cancer.
• 👩‍⚕️ KT's primary care doctor, aware of her military service and burn pit exposure, recommended a mammogram, which led to the discovery of her cancer.
• 🏋️‍♀️ KT's active military service and exposure to burn pits in Iraq are suspected to have contributed to her aggressive form of breast cancer.
• 🩺 The video highlights the importance of early detection and the role of medical professionals in identifying potential health risks related to military service.
• 💊 KT's treatment involved hormone therapy and chemotherapy to combat the cancer, which had metastasized to her bones and liver.
• 🧬 The script delves into the science of how carcinogens from burn pits can cause genetic mutations leading to cancer.
• 🌍 The potential long-term environmental and public health impacts of burn pits are discussed, including the risk to local populations near military bases.
• 💼 The video also touches on the challenges faced by military personnel in seeking recognition and treatment for service-related health conditions.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the video by Dr. Bernard?

The primary purpose of the video by Dr. Bernard is to raise awareness and funds for Burn Pits 360, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health outcomes of current and former US military personnel who have been exposed to burn pits.

What is the significance of burn pits in the context of the video?

Burn pits are significant because they were used by the US Armed Forces to dispose of waste during military deployments, often by burning it with jet fuel. This practice exposed service members like KT to toxic fumes and chemicals, which are now linked to long-term health issues, including various types of cancer.

What was KT's military background, and how did it lead to her exposure to burn pits?

KT was born into a military family and joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program for the United States Marines after high school. She was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, in 2005, where she was exposed to burn pits on a daily basis as a result of the military's waste disposal methods.

What health issues did KT develop after her exposure to burn pits, and at what age was she diagnosed?

KT was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 38, which had spread to her bones. This diagnosis was linked to her exposure to burn pits during her military service.

Why did KT initially skip her mammogram appointment, and what changed her mind?

KT initially skipped her mammogram appointment because she felt great, was young, and had no family history of breast cancer. However, she rescheduled and attended the appointment after reconsidering the potential risks associated with her prior burn pit exposure.

What treatments did KT undergo for her breast cancer, and how did they evolve over time?

KT underwent various treatments for her breast cancer, including hormone therapy to stop hormone fluctuation, additional medicines to lock her cancer cells from reproducing, and chemotherapy to target rapidly dividing cells. As her cancer progressed and mutated, she also participated in clinical trials involving experimental medicines.

How did KT's cancer progression affect her personal life and her family?

KT's cancer progression deeply affected her personal life and family, particularly her concern for her son's well-being and future. She had to prepare her son and his teachers for the possibility of her passing and consider how to best support him through the grieving process.

What challenges did KT face in trying to get her cancer recognized as service-related?

KT faced challenges in getting her cancer recognized as service-related due to the need for more evidence to support her claim. Despite having two oncologists who agreed with her claim, her initial appeal was denied, and she had to continue her care through private insurance.

What are the potential long-term health effects of exposure to burn pits, as discussed in the video?

The potential long-term health effects of exposure to burn pits include various types of cancer, respiratory illnesses, and other serious health conditions. The toxins released from the waste can cause DNA damage, leading to mutations that may result in cancer development.

How does the video address the broader implications of burn pits on local populations near military bases?

The video raises concerns about the potential impact of burn pits on local populations near military bases, suggesting that the toxic particulate matter from burn pits could have long-lasting effects on the health of these communities, especially considering the possibility of these chemicals being carried by wind and dust storms.