The effects of exposure to documented open-air burn pits on respiratory health among deployers of the Millennium Cohort Study

• Published in: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine Vol. 54; no. 6; p. 708
• Main Authors: Smith, Besa, Wong, Charlene A, Boyko, Edward J, Phillips, Christopher J, Gackstetter, Gary D, Ryan, Margaret A K, Smith, Tyler C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Adult; Afghan Campaign 2001; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Iraq War, 2003-2011; Male; Middle Aged; Occupational Diseases - epidemiology; Occupational Exposure; Respiratory Tract Diseases - epidemiology; Respiratory Tract Diseases - etiology; Risk; Self Report; Smoke - adverse effects; Smoke Inhalation Injury - complications; Smoke Inhalation Injury - epidemiology; Veterans - statistics & numerical data; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1536-5948
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e31825107f9

To investigate respiratory illnesses and potential open-air burn pit exposure among Millennium Cohort participants who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Using multivariable logistic regression, newly reported chronic bronchitis or emphysema, newly reported asthma, and self-reported respiratory symptoms and possible burn pit exposure within 2, 3, or 5 miles were examined among Army and Air Force deployers surveyed in 2004 to 2006 and 2007 to 2008 (n = 22,844). Burn pit exposure within 3 or 5 miles was not associated with respiratory outcomes after statistical adjustment. Increased symptom reporting was observed among Air Force deployers located within 2 miles of Joint Base Balad; however, this finding was marginally significant with no evidence of trend. In general, these findings do not support an elevated risk for respiratory outcomes among personnel deployed within proximity of documented burn pits in Iraq.