Public Health Impacts of Naturally-Derived Particulate Matter - A Case Study from southwestern British Columbia, Canada

This research examines the urban health impacts of particulate matter associated with the trans-Pacific transport of crustal material originating from a Gobi-desert dust storm. Although the adverse health effects of anthropogenically-derived particulate air pollution have been well documented, little is known of the relationship between naturally-derived particulate matter and adverse health impacts in the urban context. Current epidemiological literature suggests that combustion-related particulates have a deleterious impact on human health, whilst crustal material is more benign.

The 1998 Gobi dust event in southwestern British Columbia provided a unique opportunity to identify the health impacts associated with a naturally-derived pollutant event. This study focuses on identifying the spatial and temporal features of the Gobi dust event and correlating them with preliminary public health indicators. Hospital admissions are compared to a good meteorological analogue in order to determine the impact of the crustal material. Results indicate a subtle correlation between particulate matter concentrations and hospital admissions during and immediately after the dust event.