LIFE-MEDEA: Mitigating the Health Effects of Desert Dust Storms Using Exposure-Reduction Approaches


Project title
LIFE-MEDEA: Mitigating the Health Effects of Desert Dust Storms Using Exposure-Reduction Approaches
Code
LIFE-MEDEA
Project Coordinator
Status
Ongoing project
Start date
01-01-2017
Expected Completion
31-12-2022
 
Funding Program
LIFE programme
Abstract
Climate Change and global warming has been associated with increased frequency and severity of desert dust storm events across the Mediterranean Basin. Furthermore, desert dust storm events result in adverse effects on human health from exposure to increased levels of air pollutants (particulate matter 10 μm - PM10). The MEDEA project aims to develop the tools for early population warning of upcoming desert dust storm events and a set of evidence-based and sustainable recommendations for adoption during DDS episodes in order to reduce indoor and outdoor exposure to harmful particulate air pollution. Thereafter, the effectiveness of these recommendations for reducing exposure to desert dust pollution and corresponding health effects will be assessed during a Behavioural Intervention Study in vulnerable patient groups of children with asthma and patients with Atrial Fibrillation.
 
Keyword(s)
Asthmatic children
Atrial fibrillation
Desert dust storm