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Aeolian Dust comes to Okinawa
Posted 4/29/2011 Updated 4/29/2011
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by U. S. Naval Hospital Okinawa Public Affairs
U. S. Naval Hospital Okinawa Public Affairs
4/29/2011 - CAMP LESTER Okinawa, Japan -- Soon, the air over parts of Okinawa may be thick with a gritty yellowish haze, reducing visibility and covering cars, laundry, and even people who venture outside in a layer of super fine dust. The Japan Meteorological Agency is predicting a significant occurrence of Aeolian dust to hit Okinawa over the next several days, with the most severe effect expected to reach the island May 2.
Aeolian dust, also referred to as "Asian Dust," or "Yellow Sand", is a naturally occurring phenomenon where prevailing winds pick up sand and dust from Asian deserts and carry it across China, Korea and Japan. According to an information paper released by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, the dust is principally composed of rock-forming minerals such as quartz and feldspar, and clay minerals such as mica, kaolinite, and chlorite, the remnants of desert sandstorms in China and Mongolia. Aeolian Dust is well documented and can pass over Japan throughout the year, but most frequently occurs from February to April. The effect in Japan is much less severe than in areas of origin in Mongolia and China where heavy sandstorms occur.
While the dust is not considered harmful, some base residents unfamiliar with it have expressed some concerns regarding its potential health effects.
The Government of Japan has been monitoring the incidence of these dust storms since 1967. The most severe dust concentration on record was in 2010, and according to the Ryukyu Shimpo Newspaper, Okinawa had visibility in some areas as low as 1.5km. In previous years, the most commonly reported problem in Japan associated with Aeolian dust has been dirt on cars and on freshly laundered clothing hanging on outdoor clotheslines.
"Although no severe adverse health effects were directly related to the dust during the Aeolian dust storm in March of 2010, we did see a slight increase in the number of respiratory complaints from individuals with sensitive airways and asthma" said Lt. Carl Blaesing, Head of Preventive Medicine at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa.
According to Okinawa prefecture public health officials, no deaths or severe illnesses have ever been reported in Okinawa that were associated with Aeolian Dust.
"Aeolian Dust is mainly an annoyance for most of us, but those with pre-existing respiratory ailments, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, seasonal allergies, or those with eye related problems, such as eye allergies, and contact lens wearers, could be affected," said Cmdr. George Semple, Director of Public Health Services at U. S. Naval Hospital Okinawa.
According to Semple, the Okinawa JPEACH (Joint Public Epidemiological Action Center for Health), comprised of public health officials from the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy will continue to monitor the matter of Asian Dust in Okinawa, and maintain contact with Japan and Okinawa public health organizations.
While Aeolian dust poses no serious health threat, said Blaesing, public health officials do recommend taking the following precautions to stay comfortable on days when the dust is visible and the particulate concentration appears to be heavy:
· Avoid or minimize outdoor activities, particularly the elderly, small children, and people with lung or heart disease, seasonal allergies, or other respiratory diseases
· Keep windows and doors closed
· Wear glasses rather than contacts
· Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion
· Cover mouth & nose when going outdoors
· Drink plenty of water
Residents with questions or concerns about Aeolian Dust can contact the Naval Hospital Preventive Medicine Department at 643-7622 or the 18th Medical Group Public Health Flight at 630-4520.
To view the most current data regarding the Aeolian dust cloud affecting Japan, log on to
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/kosafcst or http://soramame.taiki.go.jp/dss/kosa/en/index.html.
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