Dust exposure is thus far little recognized as a threat to the health of people in the drylands of Eastern Africa. Trees planted in the areas of origin of the dust and around human settlements have the potential to reduce exposure to dust, and therefore health gains are possibly achievable through trees. Policies promoting such health gains are currently absent, and this section argues what would need to be done to convince pol - icy makers on the need to invest in trees to improve human health in the drylands of Eastern Africa. Dust also stresses livestock, upon which the nutrition and livelihoods of populations in Eastern Africa’s drylands largely depend hence affecting their health. Exposure to dust is a threat to human health because, when dust is inhaled, it causes a range of respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia [236]. Dust also impairs visibility for both humans and livestock and is a transportation safety concern. Surprisingly, little attention has been paid to the health effects of dust exposure in Africa
Publication year
2014
Authors
Wanjira, E.O.; de Leeuw J M; Njenga, M.
Language
English
Keywords
drylands, trees, human health, dust, environmental management, trees
Geographic
Indonesia
