What is a dust storm?

Dust storms are natural events. They occur when strong, hot, dry winds blow dust and soil into the air.

During a dust storm, the wind moves the dust across the country, often for many thousands of kilometres. A dust storm can last for a few hours or a few days.

Dust storms are more likely to occur in the summer and after a period of drought. This is when the land is warmer, and the soil is more exposed.

Australia has large areas of desert, making dust storms more common. Periods of drought can increase the chance of a major dust storm.

A dust storm reduces the quality of the air. Particles picked up during a dust storm include:

• dust
• soil
• sand
• microorganisms (tiny germs), such as bacteria
• fungus spores
• chemicals

You should take care in a dust storm. If you are living with respiratory (breathing) conditions, you may need to take extra care.

How can dust storms affect my health?

During dust storms, you may breathe very fine dust particles into your lungs. These can then enter your bloodstream, which can affect your health, for example by:

• causing breathing difficulties
• affecting your heart or even rarely triggering a heart attack
• triggering an asthma attack — causing wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough
• triggering an allergic reaction
• irritating your throat, skin, nose and eyes — causing sneezing and itchy or burning eyes

The health effects of a dust storm can depend on:

• the size of the dust particles
• what the dust particles are made from
• whether you have any existing medical conditions
• how long you're exposed to the dust storm

If you or someone else is having severe trouble breathing, call triple zero (000) immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.

Call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance if someone is unconscious or may be having a heart attack.

Who is at risk of being affected by a dust storm?

You may have a higher chance of being affected by a dust storm if you are:

• a baby, child, teenager or older than 65 years
• pregnant
• living with breathing problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (including chronic bronchitis and emphysema)
• living with cardiovascular (heart) disease or high blood pressure
• living with diabetes

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if:

• you are living with asthma. Your doctor can work with you to develop a treatment plan to follow if you are exposed to a dust storm.
• you are living with asthma or a heart condition and experience symptoms of chest pain, chest tightness, wheezing or coughing during a dust storm

You should seek urgent care if:

• you are having symptoms of a severe asthma attack
• you have chest pains and are worried you may have a heart attack

What are the complications of a dust storm?

Dust storms can cause some severe symptoms that may cause heart and lung complications.

The longer you are exposed to dust during a dust storm, the more likely you will have health problems. Breathing in dust for long periods can lead to long-term breathing, heart or lung problems.

What precautions can I take during a dust storm to protect myself?

You can protect yourself during a dust storm by:

• reducing your exposure to dust from the storm
• developing an asthma treatment plan to help prevent an exacerbation

Here are some tips to protect your health during a dust storm:

• Stay indoors — close the windows and doors.
• If possible, stay in an air-conditioned room and set your air conditioner to recirculate the indoor air.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth, if you need to go outside.
• Avoid vigorous exercise.

If the dust is getting into your house, you could visit a local air-conditioned building such as a:

• library
• community centre
• shopping centre

Driving in a dust storm

Visibility drops very quickly during a dust storm. Here are some road safety tips:

• If you are caught in a dust storm while driving, reduce your speed and turn on your headlights.
• If you can't see ahead of you clearly, slow down.
• Be prepared to pull over and stop if visibility is less than 100 metres (very low). Make sure not to stop under a tree, in case the storm blows it over.
• If your car is air-conditioned, switch the air intake to 'recirculate'. This will reduce the amount of dust entering your car.

Asthma symptoms and dust storms

If you have asthma or another lung condition, you may develop symptoms during a dust storm.

If this happens, you should:

• take your preventer medicine
• follow your asthma action plan or other treatment plan

If you don't have an action plan, consider taking 4 to 6 puffs of your reliever inhaler (usually blue or grey) and take 4 breaths after each puff. Repeat every 4 to 6 minutes.

Always try to use your inhaler with a spacer, as this is much more effective.

If your symptoms don't improve, get medical advice.

Resources and support

• The National Asthma Council Australia has a factsheet about dust storms and asthma.
• Asthma Australia has tips on how to protect yourself during a dust storm.
• For further information about weather conditions, visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website.
• To discuss how to manage your health in a dust storm, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).

Other languages

Triple Zero Victoria has videos explaining how to get help in many community languages.

National Asthma Council Australia has translated their asthma resources into many community languages.