Lung related problems among military personnel have increased greatly since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Working in an environment with so much dust, it's no surprise that many of us now have allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems. Some of us are having immunity problems, nasal drip, lung infections and bronchitis.
Many of us are coughing and hacking due to the dusty, sandy conditions here. Sometimes the dust is mixed with smoke, which is really disgusting to breathe (but holding out breath wasn't an option either!).
I don't even want to think about what else is blowing in the air here. Some days the air looks like a pinkish haze and over 40 percent of the local population have respiratory problems.
Iraq and Afghanistan are two of the hottest countries on earth. The temperatures here can exceed 135 degrees during the hottest months! In blowing sandstorms our ears actually fill with sand, not to mention the finer particles sticking in our hair and skin. While living in these conditions, we were constantly coughing from blowing dust and sand.
The Veterans Administration says the benefits of lung protection and early screenings for military personnel are economic as well as humanitarian. They say it costs half the price to treat someone in the early stages of lung problems as it does to treat someone in the later stages.
Personally, I'd rather not go through any of the stages.
Dust and sand particles constantly float in the air and bandanas are not effective at all. Respirators are too heavy and uncomfortable to be worn for long periods; which defeats their intended purpose.
Dust masks are widely available here and I think we've pretty much tried all of them. The quality varies greatly. Afghani physicians have declared the disposable paper dust masks worthless. My Mom found a really good one online and sent some for my buddies and me. (Thanks mom!) So far, it's really working well, plus we can wear it damp and that keeps us cooler.
My buddy Jason got a dust mask from home that made him look like Darth Vader. It was black with a valve to exhale through. He sweated like a pig in that thing but he kept wearing it because he said it made him look unassailable. Two nights ago he almost crashed a truck because the stupid mask made his goggles fog up and he couldn't see the road.
It's strange being here and making sure my buddies and I stay alive. Sometimes it's fun and sometimes it's scary, though no one admits it. It's something I'll never forget, that's for sure. I'm looking forward to going home to my girlfriend and my family. I just want to make sure that when I do, I'm in one piece and don't have the Afghani version of Black Lung Disease. God bless America.
Josh Keeler writes articles about his experiences as a Soldier in Afghanistan. He brings to light many of the environmental and personal issues involved in his life. Josh is a strong advocate of protecting one's health. He recommends the DustBeeGone dust mask from http://www.dustmaskcentral.com whenever the subject of lung protection arises. He finds it comfortable enough to wear all day; which is the only way it can protect you. In hot weather, you can wear it damp to help you stay cooler. It is guaranteed to not fog your glasses or goggles, it's made in the U.S.A. and it's on sale right now!
Join Josh and get yours now. Be sure to send one to a loved one who could really use it! God bless America.
(c) Copyright - Josh Keeler. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. This information is intended to offer an intelligent option for lung prevention and should not substitute medical advice specific to your individual needs.
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