Intense sandstorms, like the Haboob that recently affected Phoenix, are also possible in Southern California, where they have been increasingly common due to climate change, water overuse, and other human activities. A significant Haboob occurred in the Salton Sea region in 2022, with a towering dust wall reaching Los Angeles. Researchers have found that dust storms pose serious air quality issues, particularly affecting arid regions. These storms can contain harmful particles that impact human health and disrupt the environment, leading to respiratory issues and harming agriculture.
A consortium of UC researchers, known as UC Dust, is working to improve predictions of dust storms, which are notably difficult to forecast. Studies indicate that dust levels have risen dramatically in the past 150 years, often containing toxic substances and chemical residues that pose further risks. Additionally, dust storms can impair visibility and damage machinery, affecting both infrastructure and crops. The prevalence of asthma, particularly in children in affected areas, underscores the health risks associated with these events.
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