Bill Overview
Title: Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a new risk assessment for toxic exposure for members of the Armed Forces who are assigned to work near burn pits. DOD must also establish an outreach program to inform such members regarding toxic exposure. Additionally, DOD must publish on its website a list of resources for members and veterans who experienced toxic exposure while serving as a member of the Armed Forces, dependents and caregivers of such members and veterans, and survivors of such members and veterans who received death benefits.
Sponsors: Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-36]
Target Audience
Population: Military personnel exposed to toxic substances, their dependents, caregivers, and survivors
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The bill targets current members of the Armed Forces assigned near burn pits, which are used primarily in deployed environments, affecting many active military members globally.
- The bill also impacts veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during their service, which includes a large historic and current group of military personnel.
- Dependents and caregivers of exposed service members and veterans are also a target group, as they require information and resources related to health impacts and care.
- Survivors of deceased service members and veterans who were exposed to toxic substances are additionally impacted by the provision of resources and support outlined in the bill.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily targets active military members, veterans, and their families affected by toxic exposure, with a focus on burn pits.
- Active military members stationed in environments where burn pits are used are directly affected by the policy changes.
- Veterans who served in such conditions are also an important group, as they may continue to suffer health effects and require resources.
- Military families, caregivers, and dependents of affected individuals also experience secondary impacts and will benefit from increased information and support resources.
- The budget constraints mean that the policy might not reach everyone immediately, but it aims to provide substantial support and information over time.
- The policy's effectiveness will largely depend on effective outreach and communication strategies, reaching both current servicemembers and scattered veteran populations.
Simulated Interviews
Active Duty Navy (San Diego, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a good step towards protecting those of us who serve overseas.
- More information and resources will help me make informed decisions about my health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired Army (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to acknowledge our service and the risks we took.
- I'm happy to see some steps being taken for us, although it feels late.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Caregiver (Virginia Beach, VA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having more information will help me care for my husband better.
- We desperately need guidance and assistance with his health issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Veteran Affairs Advocate (Austin, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a critical step in acknowledging systemic health hazards.
- Advocacy will be easier with official recognition and resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Active Duty Army (Fort Bragg, NC)
Age: 20 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good that this issue is finally being addressed.
- I hope we get more clarity on long-term health implications.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Surviving spouse of a veteran (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally acknowledging the issue doesn't bring back my husband, but it's a start for others.
- I hope this leads to better care for affected families.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 2 |
Veteran of Desert Storm (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any recognition is welcome, though decades late for some of us.
- I want to see real support, not just talking.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Military Family Member (Denver, CO)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about my sibling's health and it's reassuring they're considering these risks.
- Clear guidance will help ease our concerns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Active Navy Reserves (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Access to information and resources can be crucial during both active and reserve duty.
- It feels reassuring to have policies that recognize these risks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Retired Air Force (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognition of these risks should have come earlier.
- Current and future support can possibly help manage my health better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $30000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $35000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill focuses on potentially reducing future healthcare and support costs by proactively managing toxic exposure information.
- The scale of affected individuals includes a wide group from current servicemembers to veterans and their families, impacting the overall scope and scale of required informational programs.
- Sustained collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs might be necessary to ensure comprehensive outreach and support programs.