Sydneysiders woke up this morning [23/09/09] to a blood-red sky, due to a combination of an overnight dust storm and the morning sun. The freak weather was unexpected and caused chaos on the roads, ferries, and at the airport. The emergency services reported record calls from people suffering with breathing difficulties, because of the dusty air.
Australia has been a victim of freak weather this week [21/09/09 -[25/09/09] – two earth tremors in Melbourne, bush fires, excessive heat, flash floods, and inland droughts. Today’s storm [23/09/09] is the worst in 70 years, reports the Bureau of Meteorology. Air pollution levels are at record levels and the dust is having an impact on people’s health.
What is a Dust Storm?
Dust storms are natural events and normally occur in dry, arid areas, says the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Health. However, last night’s storm [23/09/09] was extraordinary because it hit the Eastern coastal region, spanning Sydney to Queensland (it measured 310 miles wide and 620 miles long). For the past decade, central Australia has been suffering from drought, which means that any topsoil, sand, silt and clay can easily be swept away in high winds. The dust travels fast and at a high speed, which is why it often arrives unannounced. It contains different-sized particles, and the smaller, finer ones can linger in the air for a week or so. This increases pollution and can be a health risk for those who have respiratory and other health conditions.
How Did it Happen?
‘The reason for the dust is that we had some really strong winds in the inland areas of NSW and in Southern Australia for a sustained period yesterday,’ the Bureau of Meteorology’s Jane Golding told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘These are some of the largest storms in the last 70 years. Ten very dry years over inland Australia and very strong westerlies have conspired to produce these storms,’ Nigel Tapper, an environmental scientist at Monash University, told the press.
Health Risks of Dust Storms
Dust storms have a big impact on health, especially for those who have respiratory conditions. Current dust levels exceed acceptable limits and the health authorities are advising people to stay indoors until it settles. Dust irritates the eyes and throat and leaves an unpleasant metal aftertaste in the mouth.
There are different sized dust particles. Coarser particles affect the mouth, throat and nostrils but cannot be inhaled. Fine and very fine particles can be inhaled and enter the lungs and respiratory tract, which is a health risk. You can buy medical grade masks that will protect you from finer particles.
People who have pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis need to take precautions. A dust storm can cause breathing difficulties, asthma, and worsen cardiovascular problems. Pregnant women, children, the elderly, diabetics, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are being advised to stay indoors.
Dust and Ash Storm Health Advice
The NSW Department of Health advises the following precautions to minimise the impact of the dust: -
- Stay indoors if possible.
- Keep windows and doors closed and put the air con on.
- If you are driving during a dust storm, go slowly. Pull over to the side of the road if visibility drops. Dust storms cause road accidents. Keep the windows and air vents closed and switch the air con to ‘recirculate’.
- A P2 mask (available online or from pharmacies) will protect you from fine particles; a P3 mask protects against Avian or Swine Flu.
- Avoid high impact exercise routines, particularly if you have a respiratory condition.
Will There Be Further Dust Storms?
Meteorologists are predicting further dust storms over the next few days [23/09/09] and it is thought the dust could travel as far as New Zealand. Coarse dust particles will settle quickly but finer particles could linger for a week or more so, it is important to take precautions and wear a protective mask if you are going to be outside for long periods. We cannot do anything about freak weather conditions but we can protect our health by taking a few simple precautions.
Further Information
NSW Department of Health: Dust storms fact sheet, accessed 23/09/09.
Is Climate Change Responsible for Dust Storms? The Sydney Morning Herald, accessed 23/09/09.
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Nicci Talbot - Nicci Talbot is a journalist and author specialising in sex, health & wellbeing. She edits Rude Magazine, an online resource for better ...
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