Physical and Chemical Characterization of Fine Particulates within

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                             DEPARTMENT  OF THE AIR FORCE
                             HEADQUARTERS  UNlTED STATES A1R FORCE

                             

                             
                             
                             
                             
          MEMORANDUM FOR THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, ARMED FORCES EPIDEMIOLOGICAL 	BOARD
          
          SUBJECT:   Physical and Chemical Characterization of Fine Particulates within
          the Operation Desert Shield Environment (Your Memo, 30 Oct 90) -
          INFORMATION MEMORANDUM

	In response to your request to evaluate the potential health hazard of
         the dust in Saudi Arabia, we contacted the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence
         Center (afmic), the Army Surgeon General's Office, and the Navy Medical
          Command.

        AFMIC was asked a similar question by the Air Force Logtstics Command
          several weeks ago. After a literature search, AFMIC concluded that exposure
          to windblown sand and dust is a nuisance and may be an upper airway irritant,
          but there is no medical literature evidence of any long-term health risk (see
           attached.  No other data is available.
          
          We will discuss this topic at the next meeting of the Tri-Service Ad Hoc
          Committee on Desert Shield Medica1 Issues and develop a coordinated effort to
          assess this potential health hazard.
          
          My point of contact is Maior [(b)(2)]     HQ USAF/SGPA, Boll1ng
         AFB, DC 20332-6188      [(b)(2)]


	MONTE B. MILLER
               L General, USAF, MC
               Surgeon General