The Economic Effects of Dust Storm

Abstract

Background & objectives: Dust storm typically occurs in arid and semi-arid regions. This phenomenon is more visible across the western, southwestern and central regions of Iran in the summertime. Previously conducted studies have reported that this phenomenon affects human health, agriculture, industry, infrastructure and transportation. The aim of this study is to investigate the economic effects of dust storms. Methods: The present study is a descriptive investigation. The available articles and reports in valid Persian databases (Civilica, Magiran and SID) as well as English databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed and Google scholar were reviwed separately. Results: The dust storm phenomenon covers a wide range of geographical area. In fact, it occurs in all parts of the world and is considered as an international issue. During the occurrence of dust storm phenomenon, the concentration of various pollutants increases, which generally affects the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and throposphere. Dust storm have far-reaching environmental, health, and socio-economic effects that are linked in a chain, and ultimately each of these effects will have irreparable economic consequences. Therefore, the phenomenon of dust has wide economic effects such as the impact on the exports, delays in air travel, disruption of road transport, destructive effects on agriculture (agriculture and horticulture), road accidents, road damage, closure of schools, home appliances, electronic equipments, public billboards, irrigation canals, power plants and public health. Conclusion: Dust storm phenomenon should not only be considered as an environmental issue, but due to the great economic consequences for the infrastructure of the affected areas and the country, it should be considered as a national and international concern. It is necessary to accompany many executive departments of the country to reduce its consequences. To reduce the man-made resources of the dust phenomenon, this study proposes integrated assessments and strategies that promote sustainable water and land management in farms, rangelands, deserts and urban areas, despite climate change.