Experts Explain How ‘Godzilla’ Dust Cloud From Sahara Desert Could Affect Asthma, COVID-19 Sufferers

Medical experts revealed the various health hazards posed by the approaching massive dust cloud from the Sahara desert. According to the experts, exposure to the dust cloud could worsen existing respiratory conditions such as asthma and COVID-19 infection.

Earlier this week, meteorologists confirmed that a dust cloud blowing from the Sahara desert is currently headed for the U.S. Stretching about 1,500 miles over the Atlantic Ocean, it has been regarded as the biggest dust cloud from the Sahara desert in 50 years.

Due to its size, it has been nicknamed by meteorologists as the “Godzilla” dust cloud.

According to medical experts, the approaching dust cloud poses various health risks especially for those with respiratory conditions. Dr. Mitchell Grayson, the chairperson of the Medical Scientific Council, said particles within the dust cloud could worsen the symptoms of certain respiratory diseases such as asthma and COVID-19.

“The exact mechanisms are not known, but it could be through inflammation in the lungs, which could be due to the particles in the dust,” he told Newsweek.

Prolonged exposure to the dust cloud could also lead to other diseases such as lung fibrosis, which occurs when the lung tissue gets scarred or damage. This could happen due to the inhalation of silica or sand particles within the dust cloud.

Grayson also warned that the dust particles within the cloud could carry pathogens across different regions. This means that the spread of bacteria, fungi and viruses such as the coronavirus could worsen due to the presence of the Godzilla dust cloud.

Fortunately, the medical experts noted that there are ways to avoid the harmful effects of the dust cloud. According to Grayson, this includes wearing an N95 mask when going outside. Turning on a central air conditioning system with a newly-changed filter can also help improve the air quality in enclosed spaces.

Kenneth Mendez, the CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, said that those with asthma should constantly monitor the air quality index and regularly take their medications as prescribed by their doctors.

“If you have asthma or allergies you should be careful when air quality is yellow or higher,” he said, according to Newsweek. “When the air quality index reaches the orange level people with asthma and allergies can be seriously affected so they might want to ensure they keep taking their asthma medicines as prescribed, decrease activities and avoid working or exercising outside on these days.”