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Panel Presentations

Comprehensive Otolaryngology

Otolaryngologic Problems Related to Burn Pit Exposure Among US Veterans

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM EDT
Location: MBCC, 206
CME/MOC Credit: 1
Disclosure(s):
Avanti Verma, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Sarah K. Rapoport, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Toby O. Steele, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Lane D. Squires, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Open air burn pits (BPs) have been commonly used during post-9/11 military operations in the Middle East to dispose of waste including paints, solvents, munitions, lubricants, and combustible products. BP smoke contains respirable particulate matter (PM10) as well as fine particulate matter (PM2.5). These types of particulate matter are linked to inflammation and can cause adverse respiratory health effects. Veterans exposed to BPs while deployed commonly suffer from long-term sequelae due to inhaling these particulate matter. While BPs are better studied in the context of lower respiratory conditions, recent studies demonstrate significant impact on the upper respiratory tract as well. The recently enacted PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022) has resulted in increased media attention and public awareness of veterans living with the consequences of BP exposure. Hundreds of thousands of veterans suffer from deployment-related respiratory disease. It is critical for otolaryngologists to understand the impact of BP exposure on the upper airway, including the pathophysiology and management considerations.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain the involvement of the Unified Airway Theory, which posits similar pathophysiologies between exposure-related disease of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, in patients with Burn Pit exposure.
  2. Demonstrate the unique considerations of the upper airway evaluation in Active Duty Service Members and Veterans with history of toxic exposures.
  3. Discuss management strategies of chronic upper respiratory disorders related to burn pit exposure.

    Moderator(s)

  • Avanti Verma, MD

    Assistant Professor
    Yale University School of Medicine
    Guilford, CT, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • Sarah K. Rapoport, MD

    Laryngologist, Assistant Professor
    Medstar Georgetown University Hospital
    Washington, DC, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • Toby O. Steele, MD

    Associate Professor
    UC Davis Department of Otolaryngology
    Sacramento, CA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • LS

    Lane D. Squires, MD

    Associate Professor, Clinical Otolaryngology
    UC Davis School of Medicine
    Sacramento, CA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.