It is known fact that deployment to Afghanistan has its risks – and a new Navy study yields yet another, according to a feature on the Navy Times.

In a study that was presented at a medical conference in Portland, Oregon, an analysis of Afghan sand revealed metals that can potentially cause respiratory problems and brain damage. According to the briefing that accompanied the presentation of the study in June, Afghan sand can produce “neurotoxicity,” something that can pose as a danger to service members deployed to the area.

Navy spokesman Cmdr. Cappy Surette, however, commented that “there is no definitive basis to say the sand is neurotoxic to people or animals.” He adds further that “in a great many cases, preliminary research outcomes do not bear out the earlier findings when the investigation involves replication of exposure in the living intact mammalian animal and human research subject. That said, research will continue until a complete picture is understood.”

The Navy conducted the study in response to expressed concerns regarding the harmful effects of dust and dust storms, things that usually occur in the Middle East. Dust samples were collected from the Forward Operating Base Salerno near Khost, Afghanistan, and the feature explained that the particular location was selected because it was relatively isolated, with no additional external factors – such as industries – which can affect the results.

According to the analysis, the sand samples contained traces of manganese, silicon, iron, magnesium, aluminum and chromium. Manganese, in particular, is a toxic chemical that lead to symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. Once inhaled, the metals can travel through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs.