Dust storms increase the risk of respiratory diseases
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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A new study published in the journal Respirology shows that dust storms increase the incidence of hospitalizations for chronic lung diseases , in particular chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Dust storms in East Asia and southern China are caused by a wind of dust that spreads over long distances from northern China. Concentrations of large particles with a diameter of 2.5 to 10 micrometers can reach a very high level.
The scientists, led by Professor T. Wong of the China University of Hong Kong, analyzed data on daily calls to emergency departments for respiratory diseases in Hong Kong, air pollution indexes and meteorological variables from January 1998 to December 2002. They then identified five dust storms during this period and conducted comparisons using independent t-test case-crossover analysis.
The results showed an increase in people's access to hospitals in connection with COPD 2 days after the occurrence of a dust storm by 5%. Scientists have found a link between the increased concentration of large particles that have arisen during dust storms and a high risk of respiratory diseases, in particular COPD.
"Our results show the need for timely prevention of patients with chronic lung diseases in order to avoid exposure of polluted air to this category of people," notes T. Wong.
Professor Frank J. Kelly of King's College London and colleagues suggest the introduction of national air quality indices and related alert services to prevent potentially harmful effects of dust storms.
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