Investigating how exposure to burn pit smoke affects lung health

The pulmonary immune response induced by single and multiple exposures to combustion products of burn pit constituents

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-10889489

This study is looking at how smoke from burn pits affects the lungs of military personnel, aiming to understand the immune response to this smoke so we can find better ways to protect their health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10889489 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the immune response in the lungs of military personnel exposed to smoke from burn pits, which are used to dispose of waste in combat zones. The study involves controlled experiments where materials commonly found in burn pits, such as plastics and cardboard, are burned to analyze the resulting smoke and its effects on lung inflammation. By examining both single and repeated exposures to these combustion products, researchers aim to identify changes in immune responses that could inform better health outcomes for affected individuals. The findings may help in developing strategies to mitigate lung damage from such exposures.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include military personnel who have been deployed to areas where burn pits were used and have experienced respiratory symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to burn pit emissions or do not have respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of lung conditions related to burn pit exposure in military personnel.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that exposure to similar environmental pollutants can lead to significant health issues, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.

Where this research is happening

CHAPEL HILL, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.