Amie Muller Research Programs

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Burn Pit 360 Resources & Research

The Burn Pits 360 Scientific Committee is composed of experts in the field of environmental health, toxicology, and epidemiology as well as healthcare professionals and advocates for military personnel and veterans. We are dedicated to understanding the health impacts of burn pit exposure and to providing the information and support that military personnel and veterans need to manage their health.

The Committee’s focus is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the long-term health effects of burn pit exposure and to help identify emerging trends in monitoring and treatment for those affected. Additionally, the Committee works to gather scientific evidence on the long-term impacts of burn pit exposure, including the mechanisms of toxicity and the potential health consequences.

The Committee’s advocacy work is critical for raising awareness about the dangers of military toxic exposures and advocating for the health needs of impacted veterans. Through its efforts, the Burn Pits 360 Scientific Committee is working to ensure that military personnel and veterans receive the support and resources they need to manage their health, educate their medical providers on the issue and to address any health problems related to their toxic exposures.

If you would like to discuss research collaboration, please contact Dr. Julie Tomaska julietomaska@burnpits360.org

To support our research programs:

VISIT OUR DONATIONS PAGE

JULIE M. TOMASKA, PHD

Scientific Advisory Board Chair
Governance Board Member

TAMMY BUTTERICK, PHD

Scientific Advisory Board
Co-Chair
Health Science Specialist

DR. ROBERT F. MILLER

Associate Professor
Vanderbilt University

DR. STEVEN COUGHLIN

Director of Public Health Augusta University

DR. ANTHONY SZEMA

Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell

Our Research

The MN Pulmonary Airborne Clinical Toxin
(M-PACT) Study

SUMMARY:

Post-9/11 Veterans exposed to airborne toxins are at an increased risk of lung injury and lung cancer. The team seeks to identify patient-reported health outcomes (PROM) and experiences (PREM) around these issues. The goal of the M-PACT study will be to address major gaps in Veteran health outcomes, with a focus on lung health in MN Veterans due to military deployment airborne hazard exposures.

STATUS: Not Yet Recruiting
Projected January 2024 For questions regarding MTEC please contact Dr. Tammy Butterick Tammy.Butterick@va.gov

INVESTIGATOR:
Dr. Tammy Butterick – University of Minnesota

Burn Pit Emission Exposure and Urinary Symptom Survey

SUMMARY:

Gross Hematuria and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated with Military Burn Pits Exposures in US Veterans Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 65(9), 740-744. (2023)

Find It Here

STATUS: Completed (2023)

INVESTIGATOR:
Dr. Anthony Szema - Stony Brook University

Military Toxic Exposure Committee (MTEC)

The VA Military Toxic Exposure Conference is dedicated to creating a collaborative community of pre-clinical and clinical experts, as well as veteran advocacy organizations. Together, we aim to raise awareness and establish best practices for veterans affected by burn-pits while shedding light on the enduring consequences of repeated exposure to airborne hazards.

For questions regarding MTEC please contact Dr. Tammy Butterick Tammy.Butterick@va.gov

Virtual VA Military Toxic Exposure Research Conference (MTEC) Kickoff was held March 2023 Materials

Find Them Here

VA Military Toxic Exposure Research Conference held at West Virginia University iTOX Center in October 2023 Materials – Coming Soon

Research

  • Olsen, T., Caruana, D., Cheslack-Postava, K., Szema, A., Thieme, J., Kiss, A., ... & Szema, A. (2022). Iraq/Afghanistan war lung injury reflects burn pits exposure. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 14671. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-18252-2