2026
Breathing hazard: Recent Sandstorm Poses Distinct Respiratory Mortality Burden in China
Publication Information
Title:Breathing hazard: Recent Sandstorm Poses Distinct Respiratory Mortality Burden in China
Author(s):Yuan Zheng, Qijiong Zhu, Hejie Wang, Yixiang Huang, Wenjun Ma, Tao Liu
Journal Name, Year, Volume(Issue): Page range:
AJRCCM,2026, Online ahead of print.
DOI: 10.1093/ajrccm/aamag035
Abstract:
No abstract available (this is a letter to the editor).
In April 2025, an unprecedented severe sand and dust storm (SDS) swept across China, reaching as far south as Hainan Island. Using data from 333 Chinese cities, this study estimated the excess respiratory disease deaths attributable to SDS events from January 1 to April 26, 2025. A total of 4,421 (95% CI: 2,433–6,219) respiratory deaths were attributed to SDS exposure, with the most intense period (April 9–26) accounting for 41.6% of the burden. The highest numbers of attributable deaths occurred in East, Northwest, North, and Central China. The findings highlight a substantial respiratory mortality burden from SDS and underscore the need for enhanced surveillance, public awareness, and dust source management.
