This letter is in regard to my patient David Griffin and the possible correlation of David's current diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with the toxic exposure he received while serving on duty in Iraq. David is a 25-year-old male who was diagnosed with ALL in January 2010; he is currently in remission and receiving interim maintenance chemotherapy according to an aggressive treatment regimen consistent with Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) protocol 10403 at UC Irvine Medical Center.
As you know, David served with the Army National Guard in Balad, Iraq from October 2004 through March 2005. During that time, David worked 1/2 mile from the burn pits located at Joint Base Balad where he received downwind exposure on a three-time weekly basis as well as direct exposure while driving past the burn pits on his way to work. As recently reported, burn pits are known to contain several hazardous waste materials including hydraulic fluid, lithium batteries, tires, and plastics. Many service members who have been exposed to burn pits have reported acute symptoms including bronchitis, asthma, and chronic coughs. David specifically experienced a persistent burning pain in his chest and bloody nasal drainage following his exposure to the strong odors that issued forth from the burn pits in Balad. The Department of Defense (DOD) has already acknowledged that the burn pits can cause short-term effects and we are aware that studies of the long-term effects are underway.
Laboratory and clinical investigations have shown that ALL can be instigated by some chemicals, including petrochemicals (chemical products derived form petroleum) which are sub classified into ethylene and propylene, which can be derived from plastics.
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization is maintaining a database of service members who have reported health problems related to their exposure to burn pits while serving overseas. As of December 2009, there were nearly 500 service members or their family members who reported burn pit-related, long-term medical problems including leukemia and lymphoma. I am aware that the DOD studies are ongoing but, in my professional judgment, I believe that there is sufficient data to support my opinion that David's ALL may be related to his toxic exposure while serving on duty in Iraq. As such, appropriate restitution may be due to him.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding David's case, please feel free to contact me at the numbers below.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Phil 4:13
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