Dealing with Dust
Dust storms can make driving conditions difficult, but did you know that they can also affect your health? When dust particles are inhaled, they can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate bronchitis and other lung diseases. Certain people are especially vulnerable to health impacts from dust particles – young children, the elderly, adults who exercise outside and individuals with asthma, heart or lung disease.
Viewer Tip: These simple tips can help you protect your health and air quality when a dust storm occurs.
- Avoid outdoor physical activity during a dust storm if you can. If you must go outside, cover your nose and mouth with a wet face cloth, bandanna or other material to prevent inhaling dust.
- Close windows and doors to keep dust out of your home. In the car, switch the air conditioning mode to “recirculate” to minimize the amount of dust entering your vehicle.
- Avoid activities that may release additional air pollutants in your area, such as running gas-powered lawn equipment, using a fireplace or burning trash.
Seasons: Spring, Summer
(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service. Phoenix forecast, April 3, 2009. www.nws.noaa.gov; Pinal County. “Dust Storms and Monsoon Season.” http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/AirQuality/Pages/DustStorms.aspx)
