Toxic Exposure Screening Clinic being held at Clarksburg VA this week

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Veterans in north central West Virginia who may have been exposed to toxic chemicals during their time serving are able to get screened over the next few days courtesy of a clinic at the Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center.

The Toxic Exposure Screening Clinic began on Monday and will run until Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Those who wish to get screened are able to do so both in person and over the phone. These screenings are part of the PACT Act signed two years ago by President Biden, and officials are encouraging all veterans to participate in the five to 10-minute screening.

Officials said the screenings are the first step for veterans to know if they are receiving the care they need and what they are eligible for, depending on the kind of exposure. Only those enrolled in VA health care are eligible for screenings at this event, but officials said that those who aren't enrolled can still reach out to be directed to the proper resources.

"So one of the things the PACT ACT did, it defined the toxic exposures very broadly. Can be everything from asbestos to burn pits, to jet fuel, Agent Orange—it's very broadly defined. Really anything that a veteran was exposed to in the service that could have a toxic or a negative impact on their health in the future is considered a toxic exposure," Mabel Wright, Chief for Composition Pension & Environmental Exposure Mabel Wright said.

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The schedule for the clinic is as follows:

In-person screenings can be found at the Louis A. Johnson Medical Center in the Green Hallway on the first floor. Those who wish to do their screening over the phone can call 304-623-3461 ext. 4059 or 2011, during the clinic's operating hours.

To learn more about military exposures, you can visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website here .