Dust Storms are very common in Iraq. They had one practically every day that I was there. Not only does it effect visibility outside, it effects the living conditions inside. The dust easily penetrates through the doors of the warehouse building filling the place with Talcum powder-like dust particles.
The danger with the dust is that it's more like fecal matter that has dried in the hot desert sun, crumbled on by vehicles and foot and then spread all over the desert by the wind. Constant hand washing is necessary in this environment. I was warned that most, if not all members of the team will come down with some type of "Iraqi crud" which will make them sick, not for just a couple of days or weeks, but for months.
When I was deployed to Georgia, I remember COL Everett speaking about the same "Iraqi Crud". He insisted that his soldiers wash their hands and bodies 5, 7, 12 times a days and especially before eating. He said that is the only way to keep yourself from catching the "Iraqi Crud". In this case, I think his advice is spot on.
