Effects of airborne particles on lung health in veterans
Official title: CMA:Pulmonary and Systemic Effects of Deployment Related Particulate Matter Exposures
Funded at Minneapolis VA Medical Center · NIH-11088775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in dust and smoke during military service in Southeast Asia might affect the lung health of veterans, especially those who have breathing problems, and it aims to help understand the long-term health effects of their experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Minneapolis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2020 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004633-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who served in Southeast Asia and experience respiratory symptoms or have a history of asthma, particularly those who are non-smokers or have minimal smoking history.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not served in the military or those with significant smoking history may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of exposure to airborne particulate matter on the respiratory health of military personnel who served in Southeast Asia. It focuses on veterans who report respiratory symptoms and aims to link these symptoms to specific exposures, such as dust storms and burn-pit smoke. The study will recruit participants with and without respiratory issues to assess their lung function and identify potential biomarkers related to their exposure. By analyzing data from nearly 5000 veterans, the research seeks to provide insights into the long-term health effects of deployment-related exposures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of respiratory conditions in veterans exposed to harmful airborne particles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that exposure to airborne particulate matter can negatively impact respiratory health, indicating that this study builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wendt, Chris H — Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wendt, Chris H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.