By Amina Abdul Salam Dust storms reduce air quality and visibility, and may have adverse effects on health, particularly for people who already have allergy problems. Fine dust particles can reach the sensitive regions of the respiratory tract and lungs. According to Dr Magdy Badran, PhD, Paediatric Immunologist, Fellow Faculty of Graduate Studies for Childhood, exposure to a dust storm may trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks, cause serious breathingrelated problems, and contribute to cardiovascular or heart disease. The hazards increase for infants, children adolescents and elderly people with respiratory conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, people with heart disease and people with diabetes, Dr Badarn pointed out. To minimise the adverse effects of a dust storm Dr Badran urges the avoidance of outdoor activity. You should cover your nose and mouth with a mask or damp cloth. Salt water (saline) may be helpful to clear a blocked nose for a short time.