Photo: Airman 1st Class Christopher Griffin/USAF

(08/27/2026) In the largest ever study of sarcoidosis among Veterans, Pittsburgh VA researchers found those exposed to high levels of inorganic dust during their military service had an increased risk for this normally rare inflammatory disease. Sarcoidosis causes lumps called granulomas to appear across the body, including in the lungs, which can cause a persistent dry cough, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and more. In an analysis of more than 35,000 Veterans, those with military occupational exposure to inorganic dust had 8% higher odds of developing sarcoidosis. The risk appeared to peak two to five years after military separation, suggesting granulomas take time to form as the body adapts to dust exposure. The findings highlight the continued need to address military exposure to airborne toxins and monitor the health of Veterans at higher risk of exposure-linked conditions. (Annals of the American Thoracic Society, Aug. 4, 2026)