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Journal of Science Policy & Governance | Volume 16, Issue 01 | April 13, 2020

Policy Memo: Strategies to Curtail Dust-caused Illness in Arizona: A Policy Memorandum to the Arizona Congressional Delegation

Caitlyn A. Hall (1,5), Griffin McCutcheon (2,5), Evvan V. Morton (1,5), R. Kevin Tindell (3,5), Nicholas Weller (4,5)
  1. Arizona State University, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Tempe, AZ
  2. Arizona State University, Biological Design Program, Tempe, AZ
  3. Arizona State University, School for Engineering of Matter Transport and Energy, Tempe, AZ
  4. Arizona State University, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Tempe, AZ
  5. Arizona Science Policy Network, Tempe, AZ
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Keywords: Dust Storms, Arizona, Southwest, Valley Fever, Respiratory Health, Emergency Management, Emergency Response
Abstract: This policy memo discusses the growing concerns of dust storms within US southwestern deserts and, in particular, Arizona. Since the 1990s, the frequency of southwestern desert dust storms has dramatically increased. This increase has partially fueled a rise in respiratory health diseases, such as valley fever and severe lung tissue damage from dust particles. We propose two complementary policy solutions for near- and long-term benefit: (1) an assessment of potential vaccine pathways and appropriate federal research and development support and (2) an improved early warning system to alert residents to the health impacts of dust storms.

I. Introduction

Since the 1990s, dust storms in the desert southwest have increased in frequency by 240% (Tong et al. 2017), exacerbated by drought, climate change, and soil disturbance. Dust storms can lead to numerous adverse health effects. They carry toxic metals, like arsenic and mercury, and particles that penetrate lung tissue and cause severe respiratory problems (Griffin 2007). The increased frequency of southwestern desert dust storms has been positively correlated with increased incidence of valley fever (Tong et al. 2017). Valley fever stems from Coccidioidomycosis infections, a fungus that is located within the top 2-8 inches of dry soil in the southwestern U.S, especially in California and Arizona (Fisher et al. 2007). Adverse health effects include fever, shortness of breath, severe cough, pneumonia, and, in extreme cases, death. Patients with compromised immune symptoms are particularly at risk. In 2017, there were 6,885 reported cases of valley fever in Arizona—a 98% increase from 1990 (Arizona Department of Health Services). Action is critical for Arizona residents. We propose a suite of responses to curtail the prevalence of respiratory diseases caused by dust storms through increased research funds for vaccine discovery and robust early warning systems.

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Caitlyn A. Hall (she/her) is a PhD student at Arizona State University. Her current research focus is promoting sustainable natural hazard resilience using microbes to reduce damage from earthquake-induced liquefaction. She works with industry, community, and government leaders to develop best-fit technical and policy solutions to best-address a community’s challenges and values. Her other research focuses include climate change resilience and public health, soil and water remediation, and sustainable use of resources for urban and greenhouse crop production and agriculture. For fun, Caitlyn spends her time rock climbing and trail running.
 
Griffin McCutcheon (he/him) is a PhD student at Arizona State University in the Alexander Green Lab. His research covers the intersection of protein engineering and nanostructure self-assembly, with the goal of improved materials and green manufacturing processes for nanotechnology. He also studies genetic controls systems engineering to create novel means of manipulating mammalian cells. His policy interests include the implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices, science communication and the democratization of knowledge, and improving the representation of scientists in politics. Outside of work, Griffin enjoys mountain biking, woodworking, and gardening.
 
Evvan V. Morton (she/her) is a PhD Candidate at Arizona State University in the Center for Negative Carbon Emissions. Her research examines the effectiveness of US policies that govern carbon dioxide emissions and atmospheric concentrations to mitigate climate change and explores the necessity for carbon dioxide removal through political, technological, and ethical lenses. Evvan is also the co-founder of BioGals, a non-profit organization dedicated to the success of women of color in STEM by empowering them to create sustainable solutions through study abroad experiences. Motivated to bridge the gap between science and decision-making, Evvan looks forward to a career in science policy to develop innovative policies for transitioning to a sustainable energy future.
 
Nicholas Weller (he/him) is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society at Arizona State University (ASU). His work promotes engagement among scientists, public audiences, policy makers, and cultural organizations. He conducts this work in service of creating a just, free, and sustainable future. He studies the use of deliberative public forums to capture public values and shape science and policy on uncertain, contested, and technical topics. Currently, he works with ASU’s Center for Innovation in Informal STEM Learning to help professionals at museums and other cultural organizations develop sustainability-related programs. He also works with ASU’s Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes to study science and research policy to better link science with public values.
 
R. Kevin Tindell (he/him) is a PhD student at Arizona State University in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport, and Energy; he is also a research affiliate at the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale Campus. Kevin’s research focuses on developing biomaterials for tissue engineering. Specifically, he works on designing materials that mimic tissue properties to promote healing after injury. With a sparse presence of scientists in politics, Kevin has a passion for science communication within the political community. He is actively involved in local politics and regularly advocates for science policy initiatives to political candidates and elected officials. In his spare time, Kevin loves reading articles about political science and foreign policy.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Miriam Woolley and Liza Kurtz for assisting with initial research discussions for this memorandum.
DISCLAIMER: The findings and conclusions published herein are solely attributed to the author and not necessarily endorsed or adopted by the Journal of Science Policy and Governance. Articles are distributed in compliance with copyright and trademark agreements.

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