Leather boots prevent static discharge when sprinting, making dust not explode. They won't be able to do this if they get stained with pollen, so make sure you wash off your stained leather in a pool of water!
Clouds of dust will blind you temporarily. That is if you're not wearing a mining cap. By using some diamonds and leather, you can have one of your own.
Research posts can be found in caves as a place to collect dust.