How to survive Dubai’s dust storm season
The strong winds whipping up desert sand and dust particles directly into Dubai’s path severely reduce visibility, air quality, and may also have adverse effects on the health of individuals.
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Dust storms are natural events that occur in places with severe drought like in deserts, and across large areas of arid dryland. Sand and dust particles vary in size from coarse (non-inhalable) to fine (inhalable), to very fine (respirable).
Coarse dust particles generally only reach as far as the inside of the nose, mouth, or throat. Smaller or fine particles, however, can get much deeper into the sensitive areas of the respiratory tract and lungs.
Today’s Pacific Prime Dubai article will outline the health risks, as well as explain what you can do to avoid and reduce the impact of dust storms on your health.
Exposure to dust storms and inflammation
The most common symptoms experienced by residents and visitors stuck in the chaos of a dust storm are an irritation to the eyes and upper airways.
These are the obvious entry points for fine sand and dust particles, but also pathogens. Pathogens are microorganisms, like bacteria and viruses. They are all around us, and can easily infect the body.
Fortunately, our eyes, nose, and mouth contain enzymes in our tears, mucus, and saliva that breaks down the cell wall of many harmful bacteria and viruses.
It is important to be aware that irritation is the direct effect of our body’s defense system; it starts an immune response called inflammation.
Inflammation works by signaling the immune system to repair damaged tissue, as well as defend the body against foreign invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, and external stimuli such as dust and pollen. Damaged tissues, in this case, would be the lining of the airways and the surface of our eyes.
Inflammation is essential for our survival, as without it we would perish due to infections. However, if it goes on for too long in regions of the body where it is not needed, then it can become a health issue.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to certain diseases such as heart disease or stroke, and may also lead to autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
We will explore the health concerns that can be caused by dust storms below.
Health effects on those living in Dubai
Exposure to dust storms may:
- Cause serious breathing related problems such as emphysema, asthma, and bronchitis
- Contribute to cardiovascular or heart disease
- Trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks
- Contribute to a shortened life span
Usually, those most susceptible to the health effects of dust storms are infants, children, adolescents, and the elderly. Moving forward we will see a significant rise in the elderly population experiencing the ill effects of dust storms.
Dubai’s aging population
According to Arabian Business, it has been predicted that the Gulf region’s over-60s population will reach 18 million by 2050. In light of this, it has also been anticipated that there will be a rise in elderly people experiencing more and more health conditions.
For the elderly, the health conditions caused by dust storms could even result in premature death. Without comprehensive health insurance coverage in Dubai, the medical bills can be unbearable to cover out of pocket especially to family members supporting them.
What is therefore needed is a better understanding of how to prepare for dust storms, which will help reduce their health impact on people.
How to survive Dubai’s dust storms
- Heed the warnings – Always check the weather forecast. Knowing what to expect will help you in making significant preparations. It is recommended that asthmatics regularly check the daily weather and air quality reports. Media such as television, radio, and social media are great sources for finding out the latest on dust storms.
- Make the necessary preparations – planning ahead and preparing for all eventualities means you have a higher probability of dealing effectively with the effects of a dust storm. For instance, dust storms are normally accompanied by high temperatures, and can easily cause dehydration in the high heat.
- Stay indoors – staying indoors as much as possible during dust storms will certainly eliminate any ill effects when a dust storm hits. Always keep doors and windows closed, and make sure the edges are sealed.
- Invest in an air purifier: This device or unit is also known as an air filtration system, which is specifically designed to reduce indoor pollution and help individuals in the vicinity to breathe better. This is beneficial for allergy and asthma sufferers as the filters that are normally equipped with UV technology or HEPA filters help cleanse the air. UV technology helps eliminate pathogens in the air whilst High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) can remove pollen, mold, dust mites, and more, which are as small as 0.3 microns in size.
- If you are outdoors, use a face mask and goggles – wearing a medical face mask during dust storms will help prevent you from inhaling the dust particles that can be fine and respirable. Changing your face mask often will help ensure that the quality of air is better for the body. You may also opt for N95 masks, which are 95% effective against PM 2.5 particles. They are primarily used in places where pollution is strife, but in dust storms, they will work just as well.
- Airtight goggles will help reduce irritation – especially to the eyes, and ensure you can see although a dust storm is likely to create zero visibility.
- Stay hydrated – this is also a must. As mentioned above, the weather can change suddenly, and become hot and dry. Having water close by will also help if you start feeling irritation around the eyes and face. Spraying the face with water, and in particular flushing, the eyes with clean water will help too.
Secure comprehensive health insurance with Pacific Prime Dubai
Another action to take to address the dangers of a dust storm is to secure a comprehensive health insurance policy that can address all of the health conditions arising from the effects of a dust storm.
To see more articles like this one, check out our blog page for additional content on the current health insurance trends that will apply to locals, expatriates, families, and businesses.
Our website also contains a page dedicated to our insurance partners that offer the best global insurance health plans, so you can enjoy coverage that follows you wherever you go.
For further guidance, our dedicated page listing Prime guides provide the latest on health insurance in Dubai.
At Pacific Prime Dubai. our expert consultants are standing by to answer your questions, provide you with medical insurance plan comparisons, and give you a free quote.
His expert view and wealth of knowledge on insurance can also be found in his blogs for China, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
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