New study connects dust storms to increased visits of the emergency department in the southwest of the US

A new study emphasizes the considerable health risks related to dust storms, which reveals an increase in visits of the emergency department (ED) for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, as well as accidents with motor vehicles, in three southwestern US states. The study, which was led by National Jewish Health, was published this month in Jama Network open.

Researchers from National Jewish Health, Emory University and the University of Colorado analyzed more than 33,500 ED visits in Arizona, California and Utah from 2005 to 2018. The findings indicate that dust storms are associated with an increased risk of asthma, culture-negative pneumonia, chronic, chronic, chronic obstructive lung disease, congestive heart failure, Ischemic heart conditions, cerebrovascular disorders and recordings storm or the days immediately afterwards. The findings support the growing amount of evidence that dust storms are dangerous, not only for drivers, but also for people with chronic health status.

“Storms are expected to prevent them more often due to climate change, so it is crucial that we understand their immediate and long -term health effects” study. “Our study offers important data for public health officials to develop strategies aimed at reducing dust -related health risks.”

The most important findings of the study include:

• An increase of 6% in Ed -visits for asthma in the two days after a dust storm.
• An increase of 6% in ED visits for culture-negative pneumonia and congestive heart failure in the week after a storm.
• An increase of 13% in accidents with motor vehicles on the day of a dust storm.

The study, which emphasizes used storm reports from National Weather Service and ED records at the patient level, emphasizes the need for improved warning systems and public awareness initiatives to limit dust-storm-related health effects.

“Given the expected increase in dust storms, policy makers and health officials must take proactive measures to protect vulnerable population groups,” said Dr. Crooks.