Since 2001, more than 3 million United States military personnel and contractors have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other sites in Southwest Asia. In-theatre exposure to open air burn pits, sandstorms, combat dust, diesel exhaust, and other workplace hazards may place those who deployed to these locations at risk for disabling respiratory symptoms and lung diseases.
The Center for Deployment-Related Lung Disease at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado is focused on the diagnosis and treatment of active duty military personnel, veterans, and contractors with deployment-related respiratory diseases (DRRDs). We also conduct research to understand the causes, identify new and better diagnostic tools, improve treatment, and prevent these disabling diseases.