The effect of dust storms on air quality and public health in the city of Hillah

Abstract

Dust storms, which have become frequent events, pose great risks to health and the environment. There are three factors responsible for generating them: strong winds, lack of rain, and lack of vegetation cover. AirQ+ software developed by the World Health Organization, was used to assess the health risks resulting from short-term exposure to PM2.5 measured using Continuous Particulate Monitor BAM-1020 for a period of two years from Jan 2021 to Jan 2023. The frequency and intensity of dust storms were recorded during the summer and spring of 2022, with high concentrations. The concentrations of the pollutant PM2.5 range during storm days (213.89 - 674.48 μg/m3), where short-term exposure causes an increase in the risk of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. The most severe dust storms (674.48 μg/m3) caused a rise in the risk relative to 3.395 for respiratory diseases and 1.801 for cardiovascular disease. The great danger of dust storms is evident by comparing them with corresponding days for the year 2021, where the relative risk did not exceed 1.03for respiratory diseases and 1.01) for cardiovascular diseases. In general, air quality was classified using the concentrations obtained, where the concentrations of PM2.5 increased strongly, especially during the dry months, and the sand and dust storms that happened in 2022 caused the air quality to become dangerous by 2%, very unhealthy by 6%, and unhealthy by 8%. As for the other pollutants (SO2, NO2, and CO), they did not rise much beyond the allowable limit, and it has no direct relationship with dust storms, i.e. they did not increase with their increase. Several health and safety precautions and environmental control techniques can be used to lessen the effects of sand and dust storms. Although it is unreasonable to take action to stop or prevent widespread sand and dust storms from occurring, management measures can be taken to lessen their effects.