Navy researcher links toxins, fungi and bacteria in war-zone dust to ailments

[Emily]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2011-05-11-Iraq-Afghanistan-dust-soldiers-illnesses_n.htm?csp=ipmps

U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait have inhaled microscopic dust particles laden with toxic metals, bacteria and fungi ? a toxic stew that may explain everything from the undiagnosed Gulf War Syndrome symptoms lingering from the 1991 war against Iraq to high rates of respiratory, neurological and heart ailments encountered in the current wars, scientists say....

One of the exposures they mention in the article is exposure to open air burning of toxic waste. (During the Vietnam War, toxic materials were shipped out of the area for proper disposal, but now contractors are burning this type of waste onsite.) I happened to see this customer review of an air purifier:

"For me it turned out that breathing in burning batteries, tires, plastic and medical waste in Afghanistan may not have been in my best interests. Whatever has been the source of your need, consider this. If you are truly sensitive to airborne pollutants (as I am know), i.e. you have asthma, copd, acute respiratory disorder you need clean air. I bought this unit trying to save a few bucks, I bet that's why you're looking at it too...."