Dust storms fill the air with small dust particles, bacteria, virus, fungi, pollutants and allergens. Winds can carry particulate matter hundreds to thousands of miles and can stay in the air for up to ten days.

Exposure can cause or worsen a number of respiratory illnesses include irritation and coughing, infections, asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease. Children, older adults, and those with chronic lung disease are at higher risk of developing symptoms.