Many grey nomads love to get off the beaten bitumen as they enjoy their great adventure around Australia … but is endlessly eating the dust kicked up by the vehicle in front of you bad for your health?
Well … maybe. At least according to a recent study conducted by Northland Regional Council in New Zealand.
Results from PM10 (particles’ micron size) tests carried out four unsealed roads in Northland, north of Auckland, show dust levels high enough to be a ‘nuisance’ at some time at all the sites.
A report in the New Zealand Herald said the monitoring carried out between March 14 and April 10, targeted airborne solid matter small enough to be inhaled.
On nine days out of the 21 where the atmospheric and wind conditions were considered optimal and monitoring was deemed 100% valid, the National Environment Standard (NES) minimum particle size considered dangerous to human health was exceeded.
Northland medical officer of health Loek Henneveld told the New Zealand Herald that the results indicated a clear health risk, rather than just a nuisance.
It seems them that residents, and those using these unsealed roads, are being exposed to unhealthy levels of fine dust particles thrown up by heavy traffic.
Presumably, the same concerns would be equally valid for many of the dirt roads in Australia used by grey nomads and other travellers.
Do you think dusty drives could be a health hazard? Has they ever caused you problems? How do you minimise your dust intake when out on the tracks? Comment below.
What a load on nonsense, it wouldn’t matter what is tested they will find something wrong with it. Maybe we should all stay inside to save ourselves from these life threatening problems. Whats happened to this last couple of generations why are they always looking for problems , get on with life your going to die anyway.
If another vehicle in front was kicking up dust, I’d ease off and let him go. Too easy.
As Gary has said, ease off,=== and the dirt wont hurt you anyway
I wonder if the author of these articles is being being paid and feels they must say something
In answer to the question, Is Driving on Dusty Roads Hazardous To Your Health, I would say, Only if you run into a tree or an animal
If you can’t help being in the dust, just put your air con or fan on to re-circ.. That will help to minimise dust in the cab. and then back on to fresh air intake when you can.