Dozens of U.S. soldiers and military contract employees have joined lawsuits that accuse Halliburton and others of exposing them to toxic chemicals in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the suits, the plaintiffs developed various health problems following exposure to so-called burn pits in which contractors disposed of items ranging from medical waste to batteries. At least one of the suits seeks class-action status on behalf of personnel who allegedly developed health problems after being exposed to the burn pits.