Oral

Emerging technologies and unusual occupational settings may lead to new and initially unrecognized work-related diseases. This session will provide state-of-the-art updates on three emerging occupational respiratory hazards: nanoparticles, respiratory hazards in Iraq and Afghanistan, and respiratory infections associated with airplane travel. Background on what is currently known will be described, along with research efforts to better characterize the nature of causal exposures and disease outcomes. Prevention strategies will be outlined. Nanoparticles have been identified as potential respiratory hazards based on experimental animal studies. Dr. Kosnett will focus on emerging biomarkers of early lung injury that may find potential application in secondary prevention, and which merit consideration in longitudinal epidemiological research studies in the nanotechnology industry. The immediate human and societal costs of war are well-known. The delayed effects of unusual exposures in far-away settings are more difficult to recognize. Dr. Rose will provide an update on lung health effects from exposure to complex airborne contaminants, mainly burn pits, confronting US military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The potential for respiratory infectious disease transmission on aircraft is not a newly identified hazard; however, emerging infectious diseases and current aircraft conditions create the potential for greater risk of disease transmission. Dr. Mayer will discuss strategies to decrease the potential risk of transmission in this unique environment. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: What exposure circumstances create increased risk for lung diseases in deployed military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan? In nanomaterial workers? In airline crew members and business travelers? Given the spectrum of potential lung disease risks in these populations, what are the best approaches to medical surveillance and diagnostic referral? How much certainty is needed for prevention strategies to be implemented, particularly in the setting of scientific uncertainty? What is our duty to design measures to protect the most vulnerable members of the exposed population? How does level of risk alter the working definition of feasibility?

Session Objectives: Describe how emerging technologies and unusual occupational settings may lead to new and/or previously unrecognized respiratory diseases. Iedntify four workplace settings/conditions that can lead to occupational respiratory disease. Discuss prevention strategies for respiratory diseases arising from new technologies.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)