Suspended dust: what it is, consequences and prevention

The effects that suspended dust can produce on our health depend on the size of the particles and their nature. Suspended dust is understood as a set of solid particles of different sizes that are located in the environment. Exposure to this or any other type of dust can pose a serious risk to our health.

There is a greater risk, if the particles are very small, since it can be inhaled and remain attached along the respiratory tract, not being able to be expelled. In this publication in which you are today, we are going to talk about dust in suspension. We will clarify doubts about what this type of dust is, how it is formed and the possible consequences that we can face.

In this year 2022, in many corners of Spain they have found reddish skies, with traces of dust on the streets and vehicles, being totally impressed. Many were the people, who had never seen this apocalyptic scene before. This suspended dust is a meteorological phenomenon that makes visibility difficult due to its density.

What is suspended dust?

In recent years, professionals in the environmental and climate sector have realized the importance of the impact of dust in suspension in the environment, the health of people, the economy and above all the environment.

Suspended dust is understood as a set of solid particles dispersed throughout the environment. Depending on the type of particles, different effects on human health can be produced. and a disease level. It is composed of clay, gypsum, calcite, silica, and other minerals. Microscopic particles of fungi, pollen, bacteria, etc. can also be found.

These cycles of dust, they are a meteorological problem that usually occurs in arid or semi-arid areas. They are due to storms, cyclones or strong gusts of wind. These strong winds kick up large amounts of sand and dust and travel from the ground up to hundreds or thousands of kilometers through the air.

It should be noted that the heavier the particle that is transported in the air, due to its size, density or presence of water, the greater the gravitational force.

The vegetation, has a very important role when this meteorological effect occurs. And it is that, serves as a protective layer on the earth layer avoiding an erosion effect of the wind. One aspect that contributes to the appearance of this dust in suspension is drought, in addition to certain agricultural practices, poor water management, etc.

Where does suspended dust come from?

The main areas where this suspended dust that we are talking about is located are centered on arid zones of the African continent, Central Asia and the Arabian Peninsula.

The suspended dust that comes from Africa not only contains mineral particles, but on certain occasions polluting elements have been found that are dragged and collected from certain areas. Particles of cesium 137, a radioactive isotope, have been found.

An invasion of this type of dust occurs when the wind moves large amounts of dust from the Sahara desert to the Canary Islands or the Peninsula, as we have seen earlier this year. This It causes the skies and the air to become cloudy, visibility is reduced and it is more difficult to breathe said air.

There are those who call this haze effect, but it must be emphasized that one term is not the same as another.. The haze is an atmospheric effect that causes an entubation of the air and is usually caused by water vapours, that is, water vapor is the main culprit of this low visibility in the environment. On the other hand, dust in suspension, as we have already seen, is the presence of small particles in the air of Saharan origin.

Another difference to note is that between sand storms and suspended dust.. The main difference between the two is the size of the particles. In the case of dust storms, the particles are so small and light that they can rise to a considerable height and form masses of hot air that travel for hundreds or thousands of kilometers with the help of the wind.

Impacts on people's health

Suspended dust particles in the air pose a risk to people's health. Depending on the size of these particles, the danger it poses to us is determined this kind of effect.

The dust storm from the African continent that affected the peninsula this year caused one of the highest concentrations of suspended dust ever known. The presence of this dust in the air can not only cause respiratory or eye problems, but also cardiovascular ones.

The particles that are inhaled, usually remain trapped in our body, in the nose, mouth or in the respiratory tract, giving way to respiratory problems such as asthma, rhinitis, pneumonia, etc. As for the finer particles, they can enter our body affecting the lower respiratory tract, blood flow and even affect certain internal organs.

Exposure to this type of particles without taking any action can cause hundreds of deaths due to cardiopulmonary diseases. among the young and old population. Many professionals point out that the inhalation of these suspended dust particles in dry weather has a damaging effect on the nasal and throat mucous membranes, which makes it much easier for an infection to appear.

Consequences of dust on the environment

There are those who believe that the dust from the Sahara desert contains nutrients for both nature and marine ecosystems. However, also It has negative effects for sectors such as agriculture or livestock. These, their production is reduced due to the loss of their crops, the reduction of activity and greater soil erosion.

Other effects that do not help the development of certain activities are the clogging of irrigation channels, the accumulation of dust on the main transport routes, the drop in water quality both in rivers, canals or streams, and many more consequences.

La poor air quality and poor visibility also contribute to making transportation by sea, land or air more difficult. Being able to suppose, a high risk in the operations of transport of people or merchandise. Also, emphasize that the particles found in the air can be harmful to the engines of certain means of transport such as airplanes.

Solar power plants are the most affected by this meteorological effect. Since, the production of solar energy is reduced due to the fact that solar radiation is not received. The panels do not work due to dust accumulation and poor air quality, so they should be kept as dust-free as possible to avoid radiation blockage.

How should we protect ourselves against suspended dust?

Over time, Society is becoming increasingly aware of the problems posed by the emission of polluting gases into the atmosphere.. In addition, how these influence an increase in pollution and the subsequent negative consequences for our health.

Air pollution is defined as a mixture of different elements and materials that are harmful to our health.. Some may come from natural sources, such as suspended dust, as we have already seen in the previous section. But others come directly from bad activities on the part of man.

To deal with these types of effects, a series of recommendations must be followed. Suspended dust is not a new phenomenon, since it can be seen regularly in certain areas of the Spanish territory. Not only does it affect visibility, but we must add the negative impact on health and the environment. Next, We leave you some tips what you should follow for days when dust is concentrated in the air.

• When there is a high concentration of dust in the air, It is advisable to avoid going outside and keep both doors and windows closed.
• La frequent hydration This is another very important piece of advice in the face of this phenomenon.
• If you have to go out for work, medical or other reasons, you have to do it while protecting yourself. Using an FFP2 mask, to avoid inhaling particles.

The use of masks can help us reduce exposure to pollutants. Not just any as we have pointed out in the previous point, it must be an FFP2.

To finish, remember that dust in suspension can transport any particle, be it a contaminant or microorganisms. These can become harmful to ecosystems or our own health. Remember that the most vulnerable populations should limit exposure to this type of phenomenon if there is a high concentration of particles in the air. If you begin to feel a sensation of suffocation, difficulty breathing, acute cough or any other symptom, do not hesitate to go to the medical center for an evaluation of your health.