When the Dust Settles : A Review of the Health Implications of the Dust Component of Air Pollution

This review of the epidemiological literature on fugitive dust indicates the likelihood of significant public health impacts from both short- and long-term exposure to both fine and coarse dust. These impacts are observed in populations that are both near to and distant from the original dust sources. However, given the difficulties in measuring exposures to fugitive dust and the lack of health and exposure data in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), additional studies are warranted. This requires careful monitoring of ground-level ambient air quality, as well as high-quality data on both mortality and morbidity. Pending further studies, global and local quantification of health impacts of outdoor air pollution should not exclude the contribution of dust from the measurement of particulate-matter concentrations. However, it is reasonable to provide a sensitivity analysis to the impact assessment that excludes the contribution of dust. Unless or until additional evidence is forthcoming, it is reasonable to assume that the health risk per microgram of dust is generally similar to that of other constituents of particulate matter with the exceptions of sulfates and elemental carbon, for which there is fairly good evidence of greater effects than other constituents. The existing evidence indicates that countries affected by dust and dust storms should provide appropriate warnings, shelter, and other actions to prevent and treat exposure to fugitive dust. Other actions could include educating and providing medical intervention for those at particular risk including infants, young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing heart and lung disease, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, there could be a focus on providing proper ventilation, including systems with high-efficiency filters, to schools and other public buildings. Additional proactive measures to mitigate dust storms, such as land restoration or desertification-management programs, could be considered. Decision-making in selecting specific measures or interventions should be informed by the analysis of the economic effectiveness of alternatives.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Ostro, Bart, Awe, Yewande, Sanchez-Triana, Ernesto
Format:	Report biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	World Bank, Washington, DC 2021-09-03
Subjects:	DUST, AIR POLLUTION, DUST STORM, HEALTH EFFECT, PM2.5, PARTICULATE MATTER, CLIMATE CHANGE,
Online Access:	http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/undefined/918051630707070934/When-the-Dust-Settles-A-Review-of-the-Health-Implications-of-the-Dust-Component-of-Air-Pollution http://hdl.handle.net/10986/36267
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