Abstract
Asian dust events are massive meteorological phenomena during which dust particles from Chinese and Mongolian deserts are blown into the atmosphere and carried by westerly winds across Northeast Asia. Recently, there has been steady increase in both the frequency and the severity of Asian atmospheric dust events. Concern has been expressed regarding the potential health hazards in affected areas. The principal nature of the damage associated with Asian dust events differs between the emission (sandstorm) and downwind (air pollution) regions. In the emission region, the health impacts of dust storms are reflected in the high prevalence of respiratory diseases and severe subjective symptoms. Extreme dust storm events may cause a disaster to happen. In downwind regions such as Japan, analysis of Asian dust particles has shown the presence of ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and heavy metal compounds that are considered not to originate from soil. Asian dust particles have been thought to adsorb anthropogenic atmospheric pollutants during transport. Therefore, Asian dust events coincide with increases in daily hospital admissions and clinical visits for allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. Although the effect of Asian dust on human health in each region is influenced by a variety of different mechanisms, human activities are partly responsible for such negative effects in many situations. We therefore need to address these environmental problems.
Highlights
Dust storms originate in many dryland areas
Asian dust events involve the long-range transport of atmospheric particulate matter originating from dryland areas, which is carried by westerly winds across Northeast Asia (Figure 1)
The principal nature of the effects of Asian dust events on human health differs between the emission and downwind regions [1]
Summary
Dust storms originate in many dryland areas. Estimates of the relative magnitudes of dust emissions in different parts of the world indicate the Sahara contributes >50% of the global total, followed by China and Central Asia (about 20%) [1]. Dust events often affect human life and health in the originating drylands and in downwind regions. Asian dust events involve the long-range transport of atmospheric particulate matter originating from dryland areas, which is carried by westerly winds across Northeast Asia (Figure 1). Such events can affect large numbers of people because East Asia is the one of the most densely populated areas of the world. The principal nature of the effects of Asian dust events on human health differs between the emission and downwind regions [1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
