Clouds of dust contain living organisms that may transmit diseases to humans

Dust trackers plan alert system
02-08-08

Scientists are studying whether dust clouds from deserts in Africa and
Asia carry bacteria, fungus and viruses to North America.

Research shows clouds of dust contain living organisms that may
transmit diseases to humans. Some researchers suggest rising childhood
asthma rates in the Caribbean are due to dust from Africa, The
Washington Post reported Wednesday. There is now concern that diseases
such as influenza, SARS and foot-and-mouth disease in livestock could
also be transmitted by transcontinental dust.

Climate expert William A. Sprigg of the University of Arizona is
leading a United Nations project to track dust clouds and alert people
in the path. "Until now, it's been like the tree falling in the
forest," Sprigg told the Post. "Nobody heard, so nobody knew it was
there."

Sprigg said someday soon forecasters will be able to accurately
predict the arrival of dust clouds, allowing schools and nursing homes
to take precautions, the newspaper said.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

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