Policy Memo: Strategies to Curtail Dust-caused Illness in Arizona: A Policy Memorandum to the Arizona Congressional Delegation

Posted byazspnPosted inPolicy Memo

Dust storm frequency in Arizona and the
southwestern US is increasing with associated
significant health risks…

 
Caitlyn A. Hall (1,5), Griffin McCutcheon (2,5), Evvan V. Morton (1,5), R. Kevin Tindell (3,5), Nicholas Weller (4,5)
  1. Arizona State University, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Tempe, AZ
  2. Arizona State University, Biological Design Program, Tempe, AZ
  3. Arizona State University, School for Engineering of Matter Transport and Energy, Tempe, AZ
  4. Arizona State University, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Tempe, AZ
  5. Arizona Science Policy Network, Tempe, AZ

Abstract: This policy memo discusses the growing concerns of dust storms within US southwestern deserts and, in particular, Arizona. Since the 1990s, the frequency of southwestern desert dust storms has dramatically increased. This increase has partially fueled a rise in respiratory health diseases, such as valley fever and severe lung tissue damage from dust particles. We propose two complementary policy solutions for near- and long-term benefit: (1) an assessment of potential vaccine pathways and appropriate federal research and development support and (2) an improved early warning system to alert residents to the health impacts of dust storms.

Read the full article here at the Journal of Science Policy and Governance 

Header Image by William Cowie from Pixabay

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