The effects of exposure to documented open-air burn pits on respiratory health among deployers of the Millennium Cohort Study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate respiratory illnesses and potential open-air burn pit exposure among Millennium Cohort participants who deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.


METHODS
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).


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, these findings do not support an elevated risk for respiratory outcomes among personnel deployed within proximity of documented burn pits in Iraq.
Department of Deployment Health Research, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA 92106, USA. besa.smith@med.navy.mil
Besa
B
Smith
Charlene A
CA
Wong
Edward J
EJ
Boyko
Christopher J
CJ
Phillips
Gary D
GD
Gackstetter
Margaret A K
MA
Ryan
Tyler C
TC
Smith
D000328:Adult; D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012306:Risk; D057566:Self Report; D012906:Smoke / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015208:Smoke Inhalation Injury / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014728:Veterans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
D012906:Smoke