Journal
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
Volume 223, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.117187
Keywords
Dust storm; Middle East; Health; Bioaerosol
Funding
- Semnan University of Medical Science in Iran
- U.S. Geological Survey's Environmental Health Toxic Substances Hydrology and Contaminate Biology Programs
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Dust storms are an important environmental problem worldwide. The main sources of dust storms include the Sahara, the Middle East, and central and northeastern Asia. Dust originating from these regions can be dispersed across oceans and in some cases globally. The storms occur throughout the year and vary in frequency and intensity. The biological agents (e.g., fungi, bacteria and viruses) and the mineral and chemical compositions of dust may have adverse effects on human health and quality of life. Desert dusts may cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cardiopulmonary diseases, mental health issues, injuries and death from transport accidents caused by poor visibility. This paper presents dust storm human health research conducted in the Middle East in both indoor and outdoor environments. Results illustrate that particle concentration and bioaerosol types in the atmosphere are affected by climate change and meteorological factors. Recent data trends indicate that annual dust aerosol concentrations have increased worldwide. According to studies conducted in the Middle East, the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular mortality and hospital visits have increased dramatically following dust storm exposures but very few have demonstrated a regional causation. National and international collaborative research is needed to advance our understanding of the global implications of dust storms and what may be the most effective means of mitigation.
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