New Study Links Dust Storms to Increased Emergency Department Visits in the U.S. Southwest


DENVER -  A new research study highlights the significant health risks associated with dust storms, revealing an increase in emergency department (ED) visits for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, as well as motor vehicle accidents, in three Southwestern U.S. states. The study, which was led at National Jewish Health was published this month in JAMA Network Open.

Researchers at National Jewish Health, Emory University and the University of Colorado analyzed over 33,500 ED visits across Arizona, California and Utah from 2005 to 2018. The findings indicate that dust storms are associated with a heightened risk of asthma, culture-negative pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and motor vehicle accident admissions on the day of the storm or the days immediately following. The findings support the growing body of evidence that dust storms are dangerous, not only for drivers but also for people with chronic health conditions.

“Dust storms are expected to become more frequent due to climate change, so it’s crucial that we understand their immediate and long-term health impacts,” said James Crooks, PhD, associate professor at National Jewish Health and senior author on the study. “Our study provides important data for public health officials to develop strategies aimed at reducing dust storm-related health risks.”

Key findings of the study include:
 
  • A 6% increase in ED visits for asthma in the two days following a dust storm.
  • A 6% rise in ED visits for culture-negative pneumonia and congestive heart failure in the week following a storm.
  • A 13% increase in motor vehicle accidents on the day of a dust storm.

The study, which utilized National Weather Service storm reports and patient-level ED records, emphasizes the need for improved warning systems and public awareness initiatives to mitigate dust storm-related health impacts.

“Given the expected rise in dust storms, policymakers and health officials must take proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Crooks.

The research was supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
 

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders. Patients and families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care. To learn more, visit the media resources page.


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