Military service and lung disease

Abstract

Military personnel can be exposed to toxicants and conditions that can contribute to lung diseases. This article describes what is known about these exposures and diseases, focusing on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Adverse lung health outcomes have been reported in US military personnel deployed to Iraq and/or Afghanistan. Most studies to date have been hindered by limited deployment-specific exposure assessment, lack of baseline lung health information, and variable medical evaluations and case definitions. Further research is warranted. Medical surveillance has been recommended for returning troops, but the challenges are substantial.