The dust storms that have hit North India have led to damage that has been the worst in the last 20 years! While the death toll is sadly still on a rise and news channels are flashing that the worst is yet to arrive, the country can't stop wondering what can be done to prevent damage. Also, the ecological costs are getting insurmountable as-as per the environment ministry, a quarter of the country's land is witnessing desertification. However, if we talk about the health harms that the storm brings along, there are primarily four. Even if you are sitting inside locked doors and are apparently safe, the quality of air won't give you a respite.
What actually is a dust storm?
The dust storm is a phenomenon that is common in hot and dry climates. The word dust storm is English for the Arabic word Haboob, meaning violent and gusty winds.
Talking simply, it is a large availability of sand or dust along with sustained wind such that the wind can get the particles moving. One common consequence, thus, is poor visibility.
The faster the wind blows, the worse repercussions it has. A speed as less as 25 mph can lead to loosening of the particles. In India, the speed is likely to touch 70 km, ranging from 50 to 60 mostly.
Dust storms and squalls are commonly accompanied by thunderstorms and rain.
The dangers of a dust storm
The air quality in North India has worsened in the past days, crossing 250 in the NCR. The main pollutant is PM 2.5, the deadly tiny particle. As per studies, PM 2.5 can lead to various health hazards, including premature death.
PM 2.5 is so tiny that it cannot be seen by naked eye. Hence, it can easily enter your body by surpassing your nasal hair and throat. Also, the particles can infiltrate your body's defense system and very badly affect your respiratory system.
This can lead to chronic problems such as bronchitis, asthma, heart problems and many respiratory problems. For people who are already suffering from asthma, this can be much worse as it can lead to worsening of the lung function.
Besides PM 2.5, the dust storms can also be carriers of heavy metals such as arsenic, fertilizers and pesticides and many other bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Dust storms can also lead to dust pneumonia, a condition of excessive exposure to dust which leads to the filling of lungs with dust and the inflammation of the alveoli. It was a very common condition during the Dust Bowl of the United States. Common symptoms of the disease include chest pain, coughing, high fever and breathing difficulty. The disease is often fatal.
The flying dust particles can also often get into your eyes, leading to problems such as eye injuries, corneal scratches and depending on what gets into it, the condition can be much severe.