Dust Storms and Human Health: Meeting the Global Challenge

Windblown dust is a health hazard, whether originating from great, haboob-like storms of relatively short-duration or from distant and local sources that create chronic, particulate-laden air. Cardiovascular, respiratory and other health consequences are being documented around the globe. Since sources as well as pathways in dust transport may change as climate changes, the challenge to anticipate the future in dust forecasting and health services is as important as improving, delivering and applying capabilities of today. The parts and synergy of a proposed Dust-Health Early Warning System are outlined. They take advantage of current capabilities and accomodate future developments: in dust-storm forecasting; satellite-based detection and monitoring of dust sources and plumes; surface-based remote sensing of airborne dust and in-situ instruments that capture particles for analysis; and the local, regional and global infrastructures of weather and health services, aided by social media and smartphone technology.