Massive, record-setting dust storms are prompting concerns of worsening air quality in Phoenix.
The city and its suburbs have been consumed by miles-high walls of dirt and debris in recent weeks and researchers are concerned about increasing particulate matter, which is dangerous to children and others with respiratory problems. Particulate matter contains liquid droplets and particles such as dust, dirt, soot or smoke. Other particulates are so small they can only be detected with an electron microscope.
Glory Hammes, CEO of the North American division of the air quality monitoring company IQAir, said respiratory issues are a given for people vulnerable to particulates but cardiac issues remain underreported…