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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jan 5, 2009 - 8:24:33 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Spc. Latasha Jeter of Bossier City, La. is pictured here after making it inside during a recent dust storm. She is currently assigned to the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, in support of Multi-National Division - Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Aaron LeBlanc, 165th Cbt. Sust. Spt. Bn. UPAR, 1st Sust. Bde., in support of MND-B) |
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Dust storms have plagued Camp Taji almost every day recently - coating everything outdoors and invading every small gap in doors and windows. The concentration of dust in the air and increased winds have made the temperatures much cooler lately, but the pleasant change from sweltering heat comes with complications.
A Multi-National Corps - Iraq medical safety alert was issued recently about the health concerns of exposure to and inhalation of the dust. The alert advises against heavy outdoor exercise when possible during periods of high dust levels.
The dust in Iraq contains small particles that will go into the smallest compartments of the lungs. Dust can clog the lungs and reduce their ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. During dust storms, the concentration of these particles is greater than is healthy for daily exposure.
"It is unnecessary to increase risk and exposure to potential respiratory complications" recommends Capt Stephen Honeycutt, 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Physician Assistant. "There are enough clear days to compensate and exercise outdoors." The 165th is deployed to Camp Taji in support of Multi-National Division - Baghdad, and is a subordinate unit of the 1st Sustainment Brigade.
Data shows the dust in Iraq has a low risk of long-term health effects, according to the MNC-I alert, but unnecessary exposure should be avoided to keep mission ready.
According to weatherquestions.com sandstorms are caused by strong winds blowing over loose soil or sand, and picking up so much of that material that visibility is reduced. In desert regions at certain times of the year, sandstorms become more frequent because the strong heating of the air over the desert causes the lower atmosphere to become unstable, producing stronger winds at the surface.
The March 30 edition of "Stars and Stripes", Pacific edition, explains what can be expected during this time of year. Here in Iraq, from roughly April to early June, in the early summer, the dry, dusty southern wind is called the "sharqi." Those winds can pack punches of up to 60 miles per hour. The sharqi recurs in late September and November.
The other kind of wind, the "shamal", usually comes from the north or northwest and occurs from roughly mid-June through mid-September, during the height of the summer.
Soldiers must complete their missions, however, whether the temperature is extreme or the dust level is high. To avoid the discomfort and complications of exposure to the dust, Soldiers often wear masks or bandannas to keep the dust out of their mouths and noses.
Capt. Honeycutt advises the troops under his care to, "Be aware of the weather conditions and consider working out indoors when dust levels are elevated. If a soldier feels the need to exercise during a dust storm, it would best be accomplished indoors at the gym; the air is usually a little cleaner there and the air conditioners help filter the air."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Pictured here is a view outside the headquarters building of the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion during a recent dust storm. The 165th is assigned to the 1st Sustainment Brigade in support of Multi-National Division - Baghdad. The orange glow and reduced visibility is a result of an abundance of dust particles in the air. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Aaron LeBlanc, 165th Cbt. Sust. Spt. Bn. UPAR, 1st Sust. Bde., in support of MND-B) |
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| Members of the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion are pictured during a dust storm outside of Camp Buehring, Kuwait prior to reaching their final destination at Camp Taji, Iraq. Bandanas and goggles are indicative of U.S. troops protecting themselves from heavy dust in the region. The 165th is currently serving under the 1st Sustainment Brigade in support of Multi-National Division - Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Aaron LeBlanc, 165th Cbt. Sust. Spt. Bn. UPAR, 1st Sust. Bde., in support of MND-B) |
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