Deployment Risks and Exposures

Exposure Assessment for Clinicians

Clinicians who see patients with environmental exposure concerns arising from a combat deployment should document the specific regions and conflicts in which the veteran served. Additionally, it is important to ask about the veteran’s occupational specialty and the duties to which he or she was usually assigned, as these may differ.

The following questions will help guide clinicians interested in pursuing an environmental exposure assessment for patients. These questions provide an idea of the line of inquiry pursued by the clinical staff of WRIISC-DC as they work with veterans referred to the program.

1. To what areas or conflicts were you mainly deployed?

2. What was your occupational specialty?

3. What tasks did you perform?

4. Were you assigned to any other duties for more than one month during your deployment or anytime during your military service?

5. While you were deployed, were you exposed to any of the following:
   1. DEET insect repellent applied to skin
   2. Pesticide-treated utilities
   3. Environmental pesticides (like area fogging)
   4. Smoke from burning trash or feces
   5. Smoke from burning oil wells
   6. Vehicle or truck exhaust fumes
   7. Tent heater smoke
   8. Depleted uranium
   9. Diesel, gas, or JP8 fuels
   10. Any other harmful exposure: _____________

6. Did you take any of the following pills while you were deployed?
   1. PB (pyridostigmine bromide)
   2. Doxycycline capsule for malaria
   3. Mefloquine pill for malaria
   4. Go-pills (dexedrine) to stay awake
   5. Other: _____________

7. Did you regularly work with (most of any given month) any of the following while you were deployed:
   1. Solvents
   2. Paints
   3. Ionizing radiation
   4. Radar/microwaves
   5. Lasers
   6. Loud noises
   7. Welding fumes
   8. Explosives
   9. Other exposures: _____________

8. Did you receive any of the following vaccinations prior to or while you were deployed:
   1. Smallpox (leaves a scar on your arm)
   2. Anthrax
   3. Botulism
   4. Other: _____________

9. Did you seek medical care during the deployment for any of the following:
   1. Skin problems
   2. Joint or back problems
   3. Mental health
   4. Breathing problems
   5. Other health problems: _____________

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