How do severe dust storms impact El Paso life, respiratory health?
As the winds pick up, they soon become powerful gusts, causing the Franklin Mountains to vanish into a swirling haze of dust.
Dust storms, a familiar yet formidable force in the Borderland, have the potential to do more than disrupt daily life in El Paso. These storms can be deadly, reducing visibility on roadways and exacerbating a myriad of medical conditions.
Thomas Gill, professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso, noted how the recent storms have become historic in their scope and severity.
How historic have the dust storms been?
“We don’t know why it’s been so record-breaking at this point,” Gill said. “The more severe the winds, the longer they last. Another factor behind this is the drought, as we’ve not had any substantial rain in this region for many months.”
The “extreme to exceptional” drought has caused some native vegetation to die out, Gill noted. That loosens the soil, which eventually gets blown into the atmosphere.
Statistics show that the last time there have been this many dust storms in El Paso in an entire year was 1936, during the Dust Bowl, which engulfed large swaths of the Midwest and Texas. According to data compiled by Gill, El Paso had its windiest March, when this year’s dust storms started, since 1964.
There have already been over 26 recorded dust storms, and it is only April. El Paso normally only averages 22 the entire year, Gill also explained.
“A full-fledged dust storm is any dust event where there is less than half a mile in visibility. We’re already over the annual average and we still have the spring and summer dust seasons coming. We don’t know if this is going to be the new normal and that’s a little scary,” Gill said.
Dust storms have been so severe that Gill is part of a team of experts that presented their data to the New Mexico Environment Department this month as they tackle the issue of worsening air quality.
How do severe dust storms impact health?
Dr. Carlo Hatem, a pulmonologist with the Hospitals of Providence, noted that many with compromised respiratory systems could be at risk if they do not limit their exposure to dust microparticles.
“Major health risks exists for those with lung conditions like asthma, COPD, and those requiring oxygen,” Hatem said. “They have a harder time breathing during high concentrations of particulate matter. They might have to use their medication more frequently or have to go to emergency room for additional treatment.”
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is an ongoing lung condition caused by damage to the lungs. The damage results in swelling and irritation, also called inflammation, inside the airways that limit airflow into and out of the lungs, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Hatem also explained that during severe dust storms, like the recent events the past two months, have been a catalyst for busier emergency rooms in El Paso.
“In addition, these dust storms can carry infectious agents. An underrecognized condition in our area is Valley Fever, where fungal spores that cause the disease come with inhaled dust and can lead to pneumonia,” Hatem said.
Life adjusting to the dust
Several public events, like games and community programs, have not been immune to planning around the swiftly moving dust anomalies.
Juan Orozco, the head coach for the Coronado High School baseball team, has found ways to work around it.
“We really haven’t had these sorts of storms in a while so it was a new experience for us,” Orozco said. “We had to cancel two games and even then, we really couldn’t practice. So we did some video and classroom work instead. We played in a couple of those dust storms, and it was tough for both teams. The kids do get concerned about whether they’ll get to play and if it’s going to be worth their time.”
Still, the season pushes on as more storms are expected through the spring and summer in West Texas.
Postponed games are the calling card for many of these severe dust storms for teams like the Coronado High School baseball team, but Orozco gives credit to the El Paso Independent School District for staying ahead of any potential weather situation.
Protecting yourself from severe dust storms
While there are those unable to stay indoors during these weather events, agencies like Border Patrol and the El Paso Police Department note that using neck gaiters to protect their staff is highly encouraged.
Among the recommendations to avoid these types of health risks are:
- Try to remain indoors to the extent that is possible.
- If one must be outside, using masks like normal surgical varieties is encouraged. Those wanting something more robust could also use N95 masks.
- Keep any respiratory medications nearby during severe dust storms and keep prescriptions filled and current for such medicines to avoid emergencies.
- Finally, efforts to weatherproof one’s home are suggested through air filters and completing any repairs to windows and doors to prevent air drafts from entering the premises.
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