Dust Storm and Infant Health

AbstractDust storms have an essential role in the Earth system. Deserts are considered as the main origins of dust emissions since they are notably susceptible to wind erosion due to the low soil moisture content and lack of vegetation covers. The chemical, mineral, and biological characteristics of dust can negatively impact human health. They can have significant adverse impacts on infants and children due to the combination of physiological, environmental, and behavioral parameters. Prior studies, particularly in east Asia, confirm a notable correlation between dust intrusions and infants’ health, such as birth outcomes (e.g., birth weight, preterm birth, and the gestation length), conjunctivitis, respiratory diseases, cognitive functions, mortality, and later-life outcomes.KeywordsParticulate matterRespiratory diseasesBirth outcomeMortalityParental exposure