Effects of air pollution exposure on lung health in veterans

CMA: Pulmonary and Systemic Effects of Deployment Related Particulate Matter Exposures

NIH-funded research VA Puget Sound Healthcare System · NIH-11093329

This study is looking at how breathing in dust and smoke from burn pits during military service in Afghanistan and Iraq affects the lung health of veterans, helping to understand any long-term breathing problems they might have.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Puget Sound Healthcare System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11093329 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the health impacts of particulate matter exposure on military personnel who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. It focuses on understanding how exposure to fine particles from dust storms and burn pits affects lung function and respiratory symptoms. The study will utilize advanced methods to assess historical exposure levels and will involve detailed lung function tests on a group of veterans. By comparing those with and without respiratory symptoms, the research aims to provide clearer insights into the long-term health consequences of deployment-related air pollution.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have served in deployment areas with known high levels of particulate matter exposure and are experiencing respiratory symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been deployed to affected areas or who do not have respiratory symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of respiratory health issues in veterans exposed to harmful air pollutants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated potential health impacts from similar exposures, but this research aims to provide more definitive evidence through a systematic approach.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions airway injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.