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Sand storms occur frequently in Kuwait, the gulf states, and other arid climate countries. Most storms occur in the spring and summer months, where dry conditions and high speed winds prevail. While the fine particles in suspension in the air have received attention due to their health hazards associated with inhalation, the material deposited on the ground, cars, roads, windows, and plants has not been examined or investigated. Moreover, the geotechnical properties of the dust fallout have not been examined.

The dust fallout deposited at one site in Kuwait City, following four sandstorms, was examined by laboratory testing. Tests included basic properties, strength, and consolidation. Moreover, chemical and environmental tests were performed to determine the material mineral composition and characteristics. The results indicated that the material is a light weight compressible silt, or silt with sand. The average percent of fines including silt and clay is 87%. The mineral composition indicates that the principal components are calcite and quartz with an average of 36% and 33%, respectively. The dust is heavily contaminated with arsenic, cadmium, and iron. These harmful compounds are due to traffic emissions, and other human activities.