Biden vows more care for vets exposed to burn pits

President Joe Biden on Tuesday said U.S. veterans were the "backbone, the spine, the sinew" of the nation, has he pushed for better help for members of the military who face health problems, including after exposure to burn pits.Biden said there should be expanded access to health care and benefits for veterans affected by exposure to harmful substances, toxins and other environmental hazards, including those from burn pits, plots of land where the military destroyed tires, batteries, medical waste and other materials.

Joe Biden, U.S. President said "We've increased funding for VA research to study the health effects of toxic exposure in the military. We're speeding up the process to identify and address adverse impacts or military related environmental exposure. We're following the science in every case, but we're also not going to force veterans to suffer in limbo for decades if the science, even even if it's evenly divided. When the evidence doesn't give a clear answer, one way or another decision we should favor is caring for our veterans while we continue to learn more. Not waiting, not waiting."

It is difficult to link toxic exposure to an individual's medical condition. The concentration of toxic material is often well below the levels needed for immediate poisoning. Still, the VA's own hazardous materials exposure website, along with scientists and doctors, say military personnel do face risks and dangers after being exposed to contaminants.