Is It Dangerous To Go Outside During Dust Storms?

Dust storms that feel like they’re in a dystopian movie, especially in arid and semi-arid climates a meteorological event. This meteorological event is more frequent with decreasing precipitation and increasing drought rate. As such, we came across expressions such as ‘dust transport’ and ‘dust cloud’ alongside the dust storm.

So what do these expressions mean, why did dust storms become more frequent? during a dust storm Is it dangerous to go out, will there be many more and strong dust storms in the future?

Let’s first look at what the expressions dust storm, dust convection and dust cloud mean.

Dust storm is the scattering of dust particles carried by strong winds in desert areas. spread over a wide area is defined as. As this spin condenses, it becomes cloudy and takes on an orangeish color and covers the air, which creates a dust cloud. The transport of sand and dust to distant places after the dust storm that started is called dust transport.

But today, not only dust particles of desert sand rising from the ground are in the air, resulting from human activities There are also fine particles. This results in a more dusty air. Naturally, the amount of dust in the air during a storm increases with the effect of these particles.

Where do dust convections and storms in Turkey come from?

Dust convection, which is effective in Turkey today, covered the balconies of houses, streets and cars with dust. // Kayseri

Dust storms in Turkey generally come from Iraq and Syria. Also from regions where dust storms are intense, such as North Africa. There may be dust transport to our country.. These distant dusts are not as strong as the storm; It comes as a move.

Dust convection, which is effective in Turkey today, covered the balconies of houses, streets and cars with dust. // Kayseri

It is one of the provinces most affected by dust storms and transport in our country. Konya, Karaman, Nigde, Ankara, Kayseri, Igdir and Sanliurfa is coming.

Why did dust storms become more frequent?

Dust storms are generally caused by the air currents created by the pressure difference created by the storms. As a result of carrying fine particles such as sand, clay, dust occurs. This event, which is seen in arid and semi-arid climates, can be seen more frequently and more strongly due to the climate crisis and increasing drought.

But the climate crisis is not the only reason. At the same time, the decrease in green areas, especially in regions with low rainfall, and destruction of vegetation It also causes more frequent dust storms. The absence of a plant root to hold the soil causes the soils in the region to be more affected by the winds and mixed with the air more. The result is more frequent and intense dust storms.

This process turns into a spiral. Because when the particles carried by the dust storms land on the ground covers the plants and inhibits photosynthesis. This causes more damage to the vegetation.

In the movie Interstaller, dust had taken over the world.

Due to this sad cycle, scientists that we will witness more dust storms and dust transport in the future. is thinking. So in the future like in the movie Interstaller a scary world where dust almost takes over our lives may be waiting for us…

Breathing the air during a dust storm or transport has dire effects on humans.

Particles carried by dust storms can reach the lungs when inhaled and cause discomfort such as shortness of breath and wheezing. Experts those with asthma, bronchitis, lung or allergic diseases He recommends not going out when there is heavy dust in the air, closing the windows and doors of the houses, and wearing a protective mask if they have to go out.

Besides respiratory diseases, carried with desert sands high amount of lead It also has very bad effects on human health. Lead precipitates into the soil, agricultural fields and water resources. From here it enters our body. Experts say that lead accumulating in bones and tissues brain damage and death He says it’s the cause. It is also stated that even low-dose lead accumulation causes great harm to babies and children in the womb. It is said that the dust can also cause skin and hair problems.

What should we do when there is a dust storm?

In geographies where dust storms are intense, various measures are taken, such as the vacation of schools in this process. Individually, it is necessary not to go out while dust transport or storm continues, to prevent dust from entering the room and to use a mask if we are going out. But here the mask is only if it is necessary to exit in ‘necessary’ situations It is worth noting that it is presented as a ‘support element that will reduce the effect’.