Dust is formed by strong winds lifting up sand and dust particles on the ground and suspending them in the air. The intensity of sandstorms can range from mild floating dust to severe sandstorms. Sandstorm weather poses certain risks to personal health, home life, and travel safety. How should we guard against spring sandstorms? What are the causes of sandstorm weather? The formation of dust mainly comes from natural and human factors. Natural factors include deserts and Gobi in arid areas, sparse vegetation, loose soil, and susceptibility to wind blowing; Human factors such as overgrazing, deforestation, and land reclamation damage surface vegetation and exacerbate soil erosion. Dust contains a large amount of PM10 and PM2.5 particles, which not only affect air quality but also pose a threat to human health. Understanding its sources and hazards is crucial for protection. The hazards of dust to human health: Respiratory diseases ● Acute respiratory symptoms: Dust particles irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, wheezing, sore throat, etc. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: can worsen the disease and increase the risk of hospitalization. Allergic rhinitis and asthma: carrying allergens that exacerbate symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Cardiovascular diseases ● Hypertensive heart disease: increases cardiovascular burden and increases the risk of onset. Stroke: Associated with an increased risk of death from ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. ● Other cardiovascular diseases: particles enter the blood, causing inflammation, increasing the incidence rate and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. Eye disease ● Conjunctivitis: Dust particles can cause conjunctivitis, leading to dryness, redness, and pain in the eyes. Keratitis: Microorganisms and particulate matter stimulate the cornea, leading to keratitis. Skin disease ● Dry skin: Dust weather causes dry and flaky skin. Allergic dermatitis: Chemicals and particles can irritate the skin, causing allergic dermatitis. Personal protective measures: Pay attention to the warning information of sandstorms issued by the meteorological department in a timely manner and prepare for protection in advance. Reduce outings: During sandstorms, try to avoid going out as much as possible, especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory diseases. Wear protective equipment: If you need to go out, you should wear dust prevention equipment such as masks, scarves, goggles, or goggles to prevent dust from entering the respiratory tract and eyes. Attention to traffic safety: Drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and fog lights, and avoid driving at high speeds in sandstorms. Protect skin and eyes: Avoid wearing contact lenses in dusty weather and clean your face, nose, and eyes promptly after going out. Maintain indoor cleanliness: After returning indoors, change clothes promptly, clean exposed areas, and use a damp cloth to remove dust. Diet and Water: Drink plenty of water to keep your respiratory tract moist. Eat more foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, to enhance the body's immunity. Key populations such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women are more sensitive to dust particles and need to pay special attention to protection. If they experience symptoms such as breathing difficulties and chest tightness, they should seek medical attention promptly. Indoor protection: Close doors and windows in a timely manner before a sandstorm arrives to prevent dust from entering the room. Using an air purifier: Use an air purifier indoors to filter out dust particles in the air. Increase indoor humidity: Use a humidifier or damp cloth to mop the floor, maintain indoor humidity, and reduce dust flying. Clean up dust: After a sandstorm, promptly clean up indoor and outdoor dust to maintain a clean environment. Although sandstorms are difficult to completely avoid, by taking scientifically effective protective measures, we can minimize the harm of sandstorms to health to the greatest extent possible. I hope everyone can pay attention to dust prevention and protect their own and their families' health. In the sandstorm weather, let us protect our health together and welcome every fresh tomorrow! (New Society)