Marine veteran Joslin Joseph has publicly criticized the government’s historical response to toxic exposure, arguing that both 9/11 first responders and military veterans have been inadequately protected. The core of the argument centers on the long-term health crises resulting from environmental hazards encountered during service and emergency response efforts.

Joseph highlights two specific areas of concern: the toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks, and the use of open-air burn pits by the military in overseas combat zones. These burn pits, used to dispose of waste, chemicals, and medical supplies, have been linked by many veterans to chronic respiratory issues and rare cancers. While the PACT Act was passed in recent years to expand healthcare access for veterans exposed to these pits, advocates like Joseph suggest that the current framework remains insufficient to meet the full scale of the health crisis.

There is a consensus among veterans' advocacy groups that the government has historically been slow to acknowledge the link between these exposures and subsequent illnesses. However, the debate continues regarding the speed of claims processing and the adequacy of medical research into the specific long-term effects of burn pit smoke. While the government has taken steps to provide benefits, critics argue that the bureaucratic hurdles for those seeking care remain a significant barrier to justice for those who served.