**MILITARY TIMES**
Veterans who were exposed to open burn pits during deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan show significantly heightened immune responses to common indoor mold species, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Medicine.
The research, conducted by researchers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, found that veterans with documented burn pit exposure had elevated IgE antibody levels to Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium — three mold species commonly found in water-damaged homes — at rates 2.8 times higher than veterans without burn pit exposure.
The findings have significant implications for veterans living in regions prone to flooding and water damage, where indoor mold growth is common. Researchers recommend that VA healthcare providers screen burn pit-exposed veterans for mold sensitization as part of routine respiratory health assessments.
"The PACT Act expanded healthcare coverage for burn pit-related conditions, but mold sensitization hasn't been part of the conversation," said lead researcher Dr. Michael Torres. "These veterans need to know that their homes may pose a greater health risk to them than to the general population."
The study analyzed data from 3,400 veterans treated at VA facilities in Texas, Florida, and Louisiana — three states with high rates of residential mold exposure.
