Noteboom The Law Firm

New Study Shows Toxic Sand a Threat to Troops

June 9, 2010 - As if soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan do not have enough danger to worry about, a new Navy study has added something else to the list: sand. More than just sand, though: toxic sand that poses a threat to soldiers' brains.

According to the study, the sand becomes toxic when sandstorms kick up dust containing manganese and other metals. Introducing things like manganese to a human body raises risk factors for neurotoxicity. Neurotoxic compounds attack and damage the human nervous system and/or the brain. Manganese can severely damage the brain and even cause Parkinsons-like symptoms.

These findings are in their infancy and in no way has there been a connection between inhaling sand and brain damage. The study tracked reports on soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from such things as memory loss and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms, however, are not necessarily linked to having a traumatic brain injury.

Sand samples from Afghanistan were tested and found to contain samples of many different elements. Found in the sand was:

• Manganese (a powerful neurotoxicant);
• Silicon;
• Iron;
• Magnesium;
• Aluminum;
• Chrome; and
• Trace elements.

Researchers exposed nerve cells to their toxic sand. Higher concentrations of the sand extract resulted in cellular death. These metals will also likely affect a person's lungs, resulting in respiratory illnesses.

People working with returning veterans claim to be seeing more suffering from cognitive problems to include problems focusing, headaches, utilizing short term memory, and emotional issues where neither of these were problems prior to their deployment. There are no solid estimations as of yet how many soldiers are facing these health issues. More research is needed in this area so if the sand is indeed toxic, that problem can be handled as soon as possible.