Here’s How Dust Storms Actually Affect Your Health

Living in West Texas, we are all too aware of dust storms. Sometimes they're just afternoon inconveniences that leave a light dusting on our cars, and sometimes they're full-on haboobs capable of ripping roofs off of buildings. Whichever one we are lucky to encounter, it's important to remember the health-related risks of these natural occurrences.

What Exactly Are Dust Storms?

It may sound silly to ask this question, but there's much more to what dust storms are than just "dusty wind." In fact, strong winds kicking up dust and debris can reach heights of several thousand feet and span miles long.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there's an estimated 44 billion pounds of dust in the Earth's atmosphere at any given time. That's about the equivalent of 4,400,000 African elephants (You're welcome).

Most common in dry, flat regions, dust storms are often caused by nearby thunderstorms. You may remember that Texas sometimes gets dust and debris all the way from the Sahara Desert that flew all the way here across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa.

Dust Storms Bad For Your Health

Surprise, surprise, inhaling dust of any region is not advisable and can lead to some serious health issues.

Breathing fine dust and sand particles into your lungs can cause wheezing, coughing fits, and that ever-so-annoying grittiness in your teeth. This is why those with asthma are highly advised to stay indoors during dust storms.

Not only are there risks to your lungs; your heart can also be affected by fine particles entering your system. And don't even get me started on the itchy eyes as you squint your way to your car in the middle of a West Texas dust storm. Not fun.