The controversial use of burn pits–a method of disposing of waste–in Iraq has been defended by the U.S. Defense Department as posing no long-term health risks or consequences. Yet Veterans have stepped forward claiming that the burn pit pollutants released into the air and fine particle matter they inhaled in desert dust has led to a host of diseases including mesothelioma, emphysema, chronic cough, and sleep apnea.
There are no known rules, guidelines, or adopted proposals for asbestos usage in Iraq. It is likely that asbestos is still imported to the country today. Information about the import and usage of asbestos remains very difficult to find and verify.