Dr Sandeep Pargi
“Under normal circumstances the suspended dust particles are usually ranges from 50-70 parts per million [ppm]. During a sandstorm, the kind we are witnessing in the last three days, sand particles go up from 300-500 ppm. In very severe conditions, suspended dust particles can rise up to 900 ppm. However, this happens only in extreme cases. The humidity in the air, coupled with high temperatures makes it very heavy and the sand particles make it dense, blanketing the atmosphere and giving a choking feeling. In people with respiratory co-morbidities the present weather conditions can trigger an asthma, allergy or inflammatory attack,” added Dr Pargi.
