Trail Dust?

Question:

I recently went hiking in the Phoenix area. I feel like I ate about a ton of dust–a fine particle, like talc. (Silly me, I didn’t think to pack a mask.) Is that “trail dust” bad for my lungs?

Submitted by – Glenn, Aquebogue, NY

Answer:

Generally, your respiratory system can deal with quite a bit of dust, trapping it in mucus and small hairs lining your airway. You cough it up or swallow it later (Yum!). Next time, tie a bandanna over your nose and mouth if you want to give your airway some help.