What is sandstorm weather? How to protect yourself from sandstorms? Learn more in one article →

Spring is the peak season for sandstorms.

What is sandstorm weather? How to protect yourself from sandstorms? Keep this guide!

What is sandstorm weather?

According to my country's "Sand Dust Weather Grades" (GB/T 20480-2017), sand dust weather refers to a weather phenomenon in which sand and dust are suspended in the air, making the air turbid and reducing visibility. The sand dust weather grade is mainly based on the horizontal visibility when the sand dust weather occurs, and is also divided with reference to the wind force. Sand dust weather is divided into five grades: floating dust, blowing sand, sandstorm, strong sandstorm, and extremely strong sandstorm.

Sandstorms are a natural phenomenon, and their causes depend on three factors: sand sources, strong winds, and strong cyclones. If you encounter sandstorms, it is recommended to close doors and windows in time and reduce going out.

What are the health hazards of sandstorm weather?

Don't be careless with these people!

In dusty weather, pollutants can directly cause different degrees of irritation or allergic reactions to the human body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Dust particles can also enter the human body through the respiratory tract, causing a variety of respiratory diseases.

The elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are sensitive groups. During dusty weather, you should try to avoid going out. If you have a chronic cough with sputum or shortness of breath, paroxysmal wheezing and chest pain, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

People who have to work outdoors due to their jobs, such as traffic police, sanitation workers, construction workers, etc., should take personal protective measures.

How to protect against sandstorms?

Listen to the experts

Sandstorms can have an impact on the eyes, respiratory tract, skin, etc. How to protect against sandstorms?

▲Take the following measures indoors

Close doors and windows in time. If necessary, seal them with tape to prevent sand and dust from entering the room.

Use wet dust cleaning methods such as wet mopping and wet rag wiping to keep the room clean and avoid re-suspension of indoor dust.

You can use humidifiers, sprinklers and other methods to maintain appropriate air humidity.

If conditions permit, you can turn on the air purifier indoors.

▲Pay attention to personal protection when going out

Wear a mask to reduce the damage of wind and sand to the respiratory tract. In sandstorm weather, there will be floating dust, inhalable particles and fine particles at the same time, so you can wear N95 or above protective masks.

You can wear windproof glasses to prevent damage to your eyes caused by wind and sand. If wind and sand enter your eyes, do not rub them with your hands. Rinse with running water or use eye drops as soon as possible. If you still feel uncomfortable, seek medical attention immediately.

Wear hats, scarves and other dust-proof equipment, and wrap your head with the scarf to prevent wind and sand from damaging your skin, hair, ears, etc.

After coming back from outside, you should wash your hands and face immediately, rinse your mouth with clean water, clear your nasal cavity, take a bath if conditions permit, and change clothes in time to keep your body clean and comfortable.

Keke reminds: During sandstorms, the air is dry, which can easily lead to chapped lips, dry and itchy nose and throat. You should drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, keep your respiratory tract open and moist, and relieve throat discomfort.