Nellis AFB responds to Nellis Dunes dust study Published Feb. 15, 2011 By Maj. Mae-Li Allison Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- On Jan. 27, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Vegas Field Office announced the results of a dust emissions study for the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area (NDRA). This study, conducted as part of a regulatory dust mitigation plan by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, identified elevated levels of naturally-occurring arsenic and palygorskite, a mineral that is similar to asbestos. Both substances are naturally occurring throughout Nevada and other parts of the United States, and it is not yet known if they pose any health risk to recreational and other users of the NDRA. The area sampled in the study comprised sections of the NDRA, which has been utilized by off-highway enthusiasts since the early 1970s. "The NDRA is the area directly to the northeast of Nellis and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. We are closely following the findings of their study," said Col. Steven Garland, 99th Air Base Wing commander. "We will work with the BLM as the second study progresses to see if these substances in the form of dust pose any health risk to users of the NDRA." According to the BLM press release, a Human Health Risk Assessment will be conducted over the next three years to determine whether these elevated levels of arsenic and palygorskite pose a health risk, if any, to people who use the NDRA. The BLM has also mentioned that preliminary data from the Human Health Risk Assessment will be released to the public as the study progresses. The 10,000-acre NDRA will remain open while the second study is completed. "My recommendation for Air Force members and their families is to maintain awareness as the study progresses and to continue using personal protective equipment when operating off-highway vehicles (OHVs), both on and off base," said Lt. Col. James Poel, 99th Aerospace Medical Squadron chief of public health. "We will quickly notify personnel if we have any indications that additional actions or protective measures should be taken." Personal protective gear recommended for anyone operating OHVs include a helmet, goggles, dust-mask, long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as gloves and boots. Additionally, people should limit the amount of dust and dirt they spray on other riders. As a point of reference, the BLM's question and answer page dedicated to the NDRA dust study offered recommendations other locations have made to reduce exposure to airborne dust , including: · Ensure vehicle windows are closed and air conditioning is on and in recirculation mode. · Ensure vehicles are not followed closely. Keep vehicle speed down. · Avoid areas with visible dust. · Bag, seal and launder clothing separately upon leaving the area. Wash vehicle exterior upon leaving the area. · Only travel customary route to and from property; all other use and access is prohibited. For more information on Air Force recommendations on personal protection equipment, please contact the 99th Aerospace Medical Squadron at 653-3351. The BLM has made additional information available, including the study itself, online at www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo.html.
