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Respiratory disease among military personnel in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield

Author

Listed:
  • Richards, A.L.
  • Hyams, K.C.
  • Watts, D.M.
  • Rozmajzl, P.J.
  • Woody, J.N.
  • Merrell, B.R.

Abstract

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine whether respiratory disease due to crowded living conditions and high levels of suspended and blowing sand had a major adverse impact on US military personnel during Operation Desert Shield. Methods. A questionnaire survey was administered to 2598 combat troops stationed in Northeast Saudi Arabia for a mean of 102 days. Samples of surface sand from seven different locations were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Results. Among surveyed troops, 34.4% reported a sore throat, 43.1% complained of a cough, 15.4% complained of chronic rhinorrhea, and 1.8% were unable to perform their routine duties because of upper respiratory symptoms. Evaluation of sleeping accommodations indicated that complaints of a sore throat and cough were most closely associated with sleeping in air-conditioned buildings; in contrast, complaints of rhinorrhea were associated with exposure to the outdoor environment while living in tents. Sand samples consisted mostly of quartz, with just 0.21% by weight of respirable size (

Suggested Citation

  • Richards, A.L. & Hyams, K.C. & Watts, D.M. & Rozmajzl, P.J. & Woody, J.N. & Merrell, B.R., 1993. "Respiratory disease among military personnel in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 83(9), pages 1326-1329.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1993:83:9:1326-1329_5
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