As a large dust cloud from the Sahara Desert approaches the Southeast, the American Lung Association has issued recommendations to help residents protect their health. The particles carried by this dust can enter the lungs and potentially cause or exacerbate coughing, wheezing, lower respiratory tract infections, lung diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.
This advice is particularly crucial for nearly 800,000 individuals in Louisiana who are living with lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Children and older adults are also considered at higher risk. However, all individuals may experience respiratory symptoms due to exposure to the dust.
The American Lung Association provides five tips for maintaining lung health during this Saharan dust plume event. More information about dust storms can be found at Lung.org/disaster.
