Research and Education
Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence
Through continuous monitoring of trends arising from the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, and with findings from our specialized clinical assessments, we conduct clinical and translational research related to airborne hazards and burn pits.
Putting Research Data to Work for Veterans
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Our research focuses on a range of health concerns related to airborne hazard exposure, including respiratory concerns, unexplained shortness of breath and other health issues.
To expand our research goals, our partnerships and collaborations are widespread across research universities, VA agencies and many other experts across the country. These partnerships allow the Center to pursue more in-depth research questions and explore new ways to understand and treat Veterans who have been exposed to airborne hazards.
Our Research
The Center has published many peer-reviewed studies sharing our experience, research findings and clinical approach. We've also contributed to major federal and professional society reports and publications on the topic, including a 2019 workshop report sponsored by the American Thoracic Society, the NASEM 2020 report and the Airborne Hazards Related to Deployment book.
The Center also supports the broader research community through the Registry, convenes research symposia and journal clubs as well as supports pilot investigations. Review our current research
Post-9/11 Veterans
Featured Publication: Isolated diffusing capacity reduction is a common clinical presentation in deployed Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with deployment-related environmental exposures
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Gulf War Veterans
Featured Publication: Veterans with Gulf War Illness exhibit distinct respiratory patterns during maximal cardiopulmonary exercise
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Clinical Evaluation Techniques
Featured Publication: Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
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Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry
Featured Publication: Blast Injury and Cardiopulmonary Symptoms in U.S. Veterans: Analysis of a National Registry
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Collaborations
Featured Publication: Short-term PM exposure and social stress cause pulmonary and cardiac dysfunction
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Rare Disease
Featured Publication: Diagnostic Workup of Constrictive Bronchiolitis in the Military Veteran
Read more >To support the data access and analysis needs of the Center using the AHOBPR and VA medical record data, the Center funded the AIMES Collaboration.
Featured Research
Forced oscillation technique in veterans with preserved spirometry and chronic respiratory symptoms
Diagnostic Workup of Constrictive Bronchiolitis in the Military Veteran
In February 2022, we held our first Airborne Hazards Research day. Academic researchers, VA physician scientists, clinicians and our PDCEN members were invited to attend. Nine presentations were given using an innovative format known as PechaKucha. The agenda was divided into several categories that encouraged presenters to provide details on their research in a format that allowed for a greater exchange of information and collaboration. The successful research day fostered collaboration among AHBPCE investigators, collaborators and attendees, and we plan on this being an annual event going forward.
