Dust Storms and Emergency Department Visits in Four Southwestern U.S. States

Dust storms are atmospheric events precipitated by strong winds that cause dust on the ground to be suspended, severely reducing air quality and visibility. Dust storm air pollution is largely characterized by high concentrations of particulate matter from soil that can contain heavy metals, pesticides, and spores or conidia of microorganisms. Studies in East Asia, southern Europe, and Australia have demonstrated short-term adverse cardiorespiratory health effects of dust storms. In the United States, dust storm activity has increased over the past 20 years, particularly in the southwestern region due to its arid climate. However, despite high dust activity in many states, the US has lagged behind in the study of dust storms and their health effects. 

This 2-year project will fill this important knowledge gap by utilizing (1) new approaches to characterize dust storms retrospectively, and (2) an existing database of patient-level emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. In this project, we will characterize dust storms exposures using a number of different approaches and data sources.  

Study Locations: Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah

Investigators: Howard Chang (PI), Stefanie Ebelt

Current or Recent Funding Sources: National Institutes of Health (R21ES032344)

Previous Funding Sources: n/a

Category: Climate and Health