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 bo...
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| Language: | English |
| Published: |
World Bank, Washington, DC
2021
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| Subjects: | |
| 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 |
| Summary: | 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. |
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